CVE-2023-6202 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-6202 concerns an insecure direct object reference in the

/plugins/focalboard/api/v2/users

endpoint of Mattermost Boards. The vulnerability allows a guest user, with knowledge of another user's ID, to access sensitive information (e.g., name, surname, nickname) via Mattermost Boards.

Understanding CVE-2023-6202

This section will delve into the details of the CVE-2023-6202 vulnerability to provide a comprehensive understanding of its implications and impact.

What is CVE-2023-6202?

CVE-2023-6202 involves a failure in proper authorization within the

/plugins/focalboard/api/v2/users

endpoint of Mattermost, leading to unauthorized access and exposure of sensitive user information by malicious guest users.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6202

The impact of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized disclosure of personal data, compromising user privacy and potentially leading to further security breaches within the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6202

To better address and mitigate the CVE-2023-6202 vulnerability, it is essential to explore its technical aspects in detail.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper authorization checks in the

/plugins/focalboard/api/v2/users

endpoint, enabling guest users to access and retrieve sensitive user information via Mattermost Boards.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost versions up to 9.1.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, specifically versions 7.8.12, 8.1.3, 9.0.1, and 9.1.0. Users of these versions are at risk of unauthorized data access.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a guest user who possesses knowledge of another user's ID, enabling them to retrieve personal information through the exposed

/plugins/focalboard/api/v2/users

endpoint.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-6202 requires immediate action to secure affected systems and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Mattermost Server to versions 9.0.2, 9.1.1, 7.8.13, 8.1.4, or higher to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control mechanisms and regular security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities and improve overall system security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by Mattermost is essential to address known vulnerabilities and maintain a secure environment for users and data.