CVE-2023-4108 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-4108 vulnerability pertains to Mattermost, specifically the failure to properly sanitize post metadata during audit logging. This leads to the logging of permalinks contents, posing a risk to confidentiality.

Understanding CVE-2023-4108

This vulnerability in Mattermost allows sensitive information to be inserted into log files due to improper sanitization of post metadata during audit logging.

What is CVE-2023-4108?

The CVE-2023-4108 vulnerability in Mattermost results from a failure to sanitize post metadata during audit logging, which allows the logging of permalinks contents. This can expose sensitive information to potential attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4108

The impact of CVE-2023-4108 includes a medium severity level with a CVSS base score of 4.5. It primarily affects the confidentiality of information, with a requirement for high privileges, but with no impact on availability or integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4108

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability in Mattermost.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from Mattermost's failure to adequately sanitize post metadata during audit logging, leading to the logging of permalinks contents that can contain sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of Mattermost up to and including 7.10.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Versions 7.8.7, 7.9.5, and 7.10.3 are particularly vulnerable, while versions 7.8.8, 7.9.6, and 7.10.4 have been patched and are no longer susceptible.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with high privileges can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the permalinks contents to access and potentially reveal sensitive information stored in the log files.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the CVE-2023-4108 vulnerability in Mattermost, users and administrators can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mattermost Server to versions 7.8.8, 7.9.6, 7.10.4, or higher to patch the vulnerability and prevent further exploitation.
Review and monitor audit logs for any suspicious activity related to the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and assessments to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on best practices for handling sensitive information within the platform to minimize exposure risk.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to stay informed about security updates and patches released by Mattermost to ensure the platform is always up-to-date with the latest security measures and protections. Regularly applying patches and updates can help prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.