CVE-2023-28358 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE was published on May 11, 2023, by HackerOne, involving a vulnerability in Rocket.Chat that allows the injection of malicious tags through a markdown parsing issue in the "Search Messages" feature. This vulnerability could lead to attacks like account takeover, especially on servers with disabled content security policy.

Understanding CVE-2023-28358

This section delves deeper into the nature of the CVE-2023-28358 vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2023-28358?

CVE-2023-28358 is a vulnerability discovered in Rocket.Chat, where a markdown parsing issue in the "Search Messages" feature enables the insertion of malicious tags. This could potentially lead to security threats, particularly on servers with disabled content security policy.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28358

The impact of CVE-2023-28358 is significant as it opens up the possibility of account takeover and other malicious attacks due to the unauthorized injection of tags via the vulnerable feature in Rocket.Chat.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28358

Exploring the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Rocket.Chat allows for the injection of malicious tags through a markdown parsing issue in the "Search Messages" feature, posing a risk of account takeover and other security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system identified in this CVE is Rocket.Chat, specifically versions prior to version 6.0. It is crucial to ensure that the system is updated to version 6.0 or above to mitigate this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-28358 occurs through the insertion of malicious tags leveraging the markdown parsing issue in the "Search Messages" feature of Rocket.Chat. This can be particularly harmful on servers with disabled content security policy.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of the CVE-2023-28358 vulnerability, it is essential to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks and prevent potential security threats.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Rocket.Chat to version 6.0 or above, as this vulnerability has been fixed in the latest release.
Enable content security policy on servers to prevent the injection of malicious tags and enhance overall security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security measures and conducting regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Educating users about safe practices when using Rocket.Chat can also contribute to a more secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches released by Rocket.Chat and apply them promptly to ensure that the system is protected against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28358.