CVE-2023-2791 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record, assigned by Mattermost, was published on June 16, 2023. The vulnerability affects Mattermost versions prior to 7.9.2, 7.8.3, 7.7.4, and 7.10.1, allowing an authenticated attacker to edit an arbitrary channel post via the /dialog API.

Understanding CVE-2023-2791

This section delves deeper into the nature and impact of the CVE-2023-2791 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-2791?

The vulnerability in Mattermost allows an authenticated attacker to bypass parameter validation when creating a playbook run via the /dialog API. This flaw enables the attacker to edit any channel post within the affected versions of Mattermost.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2791

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 4.3 (Medium severity), this vulnerability poses a risk to the integrity of the system. The attacker can manipulate channel posts, potentially leading to unauthorized modifications and disruptions within the Mattermost platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2791

Here we explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-2791 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Mattermost fails to validate all parameters when creating a playbook run via the /dialog API, enabling the attacker to edit an arbitrary channel post.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Mattermost versions prior to 7.9.2, 7.8.3, 7.7.4, and 7.10.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated attacker can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the /dialog API to bypass parameter validation and manipulate channel posts.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-2791 and enhance security, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mattermost to version 7.7.4, 7.8.3, 7.9.2, 7.10.1, or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and review any unauthorized changes to channel posts within Mattermost.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the Mattermost software to the latest versions to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Educate users on secure API usage practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Visit the Mattermost security updates page to access patches and updates related to CVE-2023-2791.