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CVE-2020-26257 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Learn about CVE-2020-26257, a vulnerability in Matrix Synapse allowing a denial of service attack via incorrect parameters in federation APIs. Understand the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.

Matrix is an ecosystem for open federated Instant Messaging and VoIP. Synapse, a reference 'homeserver' implementation of Matrix, is vulnerable to a denial of service attack due to incorrect parameters in federation APIs.

Understanding CVE-2020-26257

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Matrix Synapse reference implementation before version 1.23.1, allowing a denial of service attack through incorrect parameters in federation APIs.

What is CVE-2020-26257?

A malicious or poorly-implemented homeserver can inject malformed events into a room by specifying a different room ID in certain requests, leading to a denial of service affecting servers accepting federation requests from untrusted sources.

The Impact of CVE-2020-26257

        CVSS Score: 6.5 (Medium Severity)
        Attack Vector: Network
        Availability Impact: High
        Attack Complexity: Low
        Privileges Required: Low
        Scope: Unchanged
        User Interaction: None
        CWE IDs: CWE-400, CWE-79

Technical Details of CVE-2020-26257

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for the injection of malformed events into a room, potentially leading to a denial of service attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

        Affected Product: Synapse
        Vendor: matrix-org
        Vulnerable Versions: < 1.23.1

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating certain parameters in federation APIs, an attacker can inject malformed events, disrupting the correct transmission of future events over federation.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

        Upgrade to version 1.23.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
        Limit access to the federation API to trusted servers.

Long-Term Security Practices

        Regularly update and patch the Matrix Synapse implementation.
        Implement network segmentation and access controls to prevent unauthorized access.
        Monitor federation requests for suspicious activity.
        Educate administrators on secure configuration practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of patches and updates to address security vulnerabilities.

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