CVE-2023-6459 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record, assigned by Mattermost, was published on December 6, 2023. The vulnerability affects Mattermost versions up to 8.1.4, with versions 8.1.5 and 7.8.14 being unaffected. The vulnerability is credited to DoyenSec and falls under CWE-200, exposing sensitive information to unauthorized actors.

Understanding CVE-2023-6459

This section provides an insight into the nature of CVE-2023-6459 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-6459?

CVE-2023-6459 involves Mattermost grouping calls in the /metrics endpoint by ID, inadvertently revealing channelIDs in the response. This exposure of sensitive information can lead to potential security risks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6459

The CVSSv3.1 base score for CVE-2023-6459 is 5.3, categorizing it as a medium severity vulnerability. With a low attack complexity and network attack vector, the confidentiality impact is low, but it poses a risk by disclosing channelIDs through the public /metrics endpoint.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6459

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-6459 to understand the vulnerability comprehensively.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from how Mattermost handles calls in the /metrics endpoint, exposing channelIDs in the response. This oversight allows unauthorized actors to access sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost versions up to 8.1.4 are impacted by CVE-2023-6459, while versions 8.1.5 and 7.8.14 are not susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by accessing the public /metrics endpoint, where the channelIDs are inadvertently revealed, compromising the security and confidentiality of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-6459.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-6459, users are advised to update their Mattermost Server to versions 8.1.5, 7.8.14, or newer. This update includes patches to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance system security.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments, vulnerability scanning, and proactive monitoring to identify and resolve potential security gaps promptly.

Patching and Updates

Implementing a robust patch management strategy is essential to ensure timely installation of security updates and fixes. Regularly updating software and systems can help prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-6459 from being exploited by threat actors.