CVE-2022-39255 : What You Need to Know

Matrix iOS SDK allows developers to build iOS apps compatible with Matrix. Prior to version 0.23.19, an attacker cooperating with a malicious homeserver can construct messages that legitimately appear to have come from another person, without any indication such as a grey shield. Learn more about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to this CVE.

Understanding CVE-2022-39255

CVE-2022-39255 is a vulnerability in Matrix iOS SDK that allows malicious actors to exploit a protocol confusion issue, leading to targeted attacks and unauthorized message manipulation.

What is CVE-2022-39255?

Matrix iOS SDK versions prior to 0.23.19 are susceptible to an attack where an attacker collaborating with a malicious homeserver can send deceptive messages appearing to originate from other users without proper authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2022-39255

This vulnerability enables sophisticated attackers to impersonate users and potentially inject malicious content during self-verifications, leading to serious security implications and the potential manipulation of key backup secrets.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-39255

The vulnerability arises from a protocol confusion issue that allows to-device messages encrypted with Megolm instead of Olm, compromising message integrity and authentication.

Vulnerability Description

The protocol confusion vulnerability in Matrix iOS SDK versions below 0.23.19 facilitates the creation of deceptive messages by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Users of matrix-ios-sdk versions less than 0.23.19 are at risk of exploitation by attackers cooperating with a compromised homeserver.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can send fake to-device messages, potentially injecting key backup secrets during self-verifications and manipulating key backup processes.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-39255, immediate and long-term security measures are crucial to protect against targeted attacks and unauthorized message manipulation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their matrix-ios-sdk to version 0.23.19 or later to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure authentication mechanisms and regularly update software to prevent similar protocol confusion vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the vendor to secure your iOS apps using Matrix integration.