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
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
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
Long-Term Security Practices
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of patches and updates to address security vulnerabilities.