CVE-2023-3613 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned by Mattermost, was published on July 17, 2023, and affects the Mattermost WelcomeBot plugin, potentially allowing guest accounts to be added or invited to channels without proper validation.

Understanding CVE-2023-3613

This vulnerability in the Mattermost WelcomeBot plugin can lead to incorrect authorization, impacting the security of user channels within the platform.

What is CVE-2023-3613?

The Mattermost WelcomeBot plugin fails to validate membership status when adding or inviting users to channels. This oversight results in guest accounts being erroneously added or invited to channels without proper verification.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3613

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as Low severity according to CVSS v3.1. While the attack vector is through the network and requires user interaction, the confidentiality and integrity impacts are assessed as Low with no availability impact.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3613

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and the manner in which it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the failure of the Mattermost WelcomeBot plugin to validate the membership status of users added or invited to channels, leading to guest accounts being included without proper authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Mattermost WelcomeBot plugin versions up to 7.8.5 and 7.10.2 are affected by this vulnerability. Versions 7.8.6 and 7.10.3 are unaffected and considered secure.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can circumvent proper authorization processes and add guest accounts to channels without the necessary validation, potentially compromising the security and privacy of user communications.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2023-3613 and prevent potential security breaches, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risk posed by the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Mattermost to versions 7.8.6, 7.10.3, or higher. Alternatively, upgrading the WelcomeBot plugin to version 1.3.0 or newer can address the vulnerability and enhance platform security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust authorization mechanisms, regularly updating software components, and conducting security audits can help fortify the overall security posture of the Mattermost platform and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Timely installation of security updates, patches, and version upgrades is essential to ensure the continuous protection of systems and prevent unauthorized access through known vulnerabilities.

By addressing CVE-2023-3613 promptly and implementing proactive security measures, organizations can enhance the resilience of their Mattermost deployments and safeguard user data from potential threats.