CVE-2022-39202 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

The CVE-2022-39202 involves IRC mode parameter confusion in matrix-appservice-irc, impacting versions below 0.35.0.

Understanding CVE-2022-39202

This vulnerability affects matrix-appservice-irc due to incorrect parsing of mode commands, potentially granting wrong permissions.

What is CVE-2022-39202?

matrix-appservice-irc, a Node.js IRC bridge for Matrix, mishandles mode commands, allowing unauthorized permissions if a privileged user is deceived into running a command.

The Impact of CVE-2022-39202

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with low impact on availability, confidentiality, and integrity. Privileged user interaction is required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-39202

The affected version is below 0.35.0 where incorrect parsing of mode commands can lead to privilege escalation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from matrix-org/node-irc library in matrix-appservice-irc, allowing wrong user permissions due to mishandling of mode commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions below 0.35.0 of matrix-appservice-irc by matrix-org are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by tricking a privileged operator into executing mode commands on their behalf.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-39202, it is recommended to take immediate action and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should immediately update matrix-appservice-irc to version 0.35.0 and avoid executing mode commands from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Promote security awareness among privileged users to prevent unauthorized execution of commands and regularly update software.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.