CVE-2023-2793 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on June 16, 2023, by Mattermost. The vulnerability, assigned the ID CVE-2023-2793, affects Mattermost versions up to 7.9.1, allowing an attacker to execute a denial-of-service attack by linking to a specially crafted webpage in a message.

Understanding CVE-2023-2793

This section provides insight into what CVE-2023-2793 entails and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-2793?

CVE-2023-2793 involves Mattermost failing to validate links on external websites when constructing a preview for a linked website. This oversight enables an attacker to launch a denial-of-service attack by linking a specially crafted webpage in a message.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2793

The impact of this vulnerability is considered medium severity, with a base score of 6.5 on the CVSSv3.1 scale. It can result in high availability impact, exploiting a low attack complexity via the network without requiring user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2793

Delving into the specifics of the vulnerability provides a clearer understanding of its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from Mattermost's failure to properly validate links to external websites when generating previews, creating an avenue for a denial-of-service exploit.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost versions up to 7.9.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing them to potential exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers may exploit this vulnerability by embedding a link to a specially crafted webpage within a message, triggering a denial-of-service scenario on vulnerable Mattermost instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-2793 is crucial for safeguarding affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-2793, Mattermost users are advised to update their systems to version 7.8.3, 7.9.2, 7.10.1, or newer to patch the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to applying the necessary patches, organizations should enforce robust security practices, such as regular system updates and security monitoring, to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Mattermost to the latest version is essential for staying protected against known vulnerabilities. Organizations should prioritize the installation of security patches to mitigate risks effectively.