CVE-2023-28357 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record discusses a vulnerability identified in Rocket.Chat that can lead to the disclosure of private channel members to unauthorized users.

Understanding CVE-2023-28357

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-28357, including what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-28357?

CVE-2023-28357 is a vulnerability found in Rocket.Chat where the ACL checks in the Slash Command /mute occur after verifying whether a user is a member of a specific channel. This flaw can result in leaking private channel members to unauthorized users. Authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability to determine if a username is part of a channel they do not have authorization to access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28357

The impact of CVE-2023-28357 can be significant as it compromises the privacy and security of private channel members on Rocket.Chat. Unauthorized users gaining access to this information can lead to potential breaches and unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28357

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28357, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Rocket.Chat allows authenticated users to determine if a specific username is a member of a private channel that they do not have permission to access. This occurs due to the ACL checks in the Slash Command /mute being performed after validating channel membership, thereby exposing private channel members to unauthorized individuals.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system by CVE-2023-28357 is Rocket.Chat. Specifically, versions prior to 6.0 are vulnerable to this issue. It's crucial for users to update to version 6.0 or higher to mitigate this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-28357 involves authenticated users leveraging the vulnerability in the Slash Command /mute to infer private channel membership, even in channels they are not authorized to access. This can lead to information disclosure and potential privacy breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28357 and prevent its exploitation, organizations and users should take immediate steps and implement long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Rocket.Chat to version 6.0 or above, as this vulnerability has been fixed in these versions.
Educate users on the importance of maintaining channel privacy and not sharing sensitive information in insecure channels.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security vulnerabilities and apply patches promptly.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential risks within the communication platform.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates and patches released by Rocket.Chat. Ensure that your Rocket.Chat installation is regularly updated to the latest secure version to mitigate the risk of exploitation associated with CVE-2023-28357.