CVE-2023-7113 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-7113 was assigned by Mattermost on December 26, 2023, and was published on December 29, 2023. The vulnerability is related to Mattermost software versions and affects certain versions of the software.

Understanding CVE-2023-7113

This vulnerability affects Mattermost versions 8.1.6 and earlier, impacting how the software sanitizes channel mention data in posts. This flaw can be exploited by attackers to inject markup in the web client, potentially leading to security breaches.

What is CVE-2023-7113?

The CVE-2023-7113 vulnerability in Mattermost arises from a failure to properly sanitize channel mention data in posts. This oversight enables malicious actors to insert potentially harmful markup into the web client, opening up avenues for cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-7113

The impact of CVE-2023-7113 can result in a low severity security risk. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 3.7 (Low), the vulnerability's exploitation requires some level of user interaction and privileges but can have repercussions on the confidentiality and integrity of data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-7113

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism involved.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in Mattermost versions prior to 8.1.7, where the failure to adequately sanitize channel mention data in posts allows attackers to inject harmful markup into the web client, paving the way for potential XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted software versions include Mattermost versions 8.1.6 and earlier, while versions 8.1.7 and beyond are deemed unaffected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-7113 necessitates network access and some degree of user interaction. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to insert malicious code via channel mentions in posts on vulnerable Mattermost instances, creating a pathway for XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-7113, immediate actions and long-term security practices need to be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial for users of affected Mattermost versions to promptly update their installations to versions 8.1.7, 9.2.0, or higher. By applying the latest patches and software updates, organizations can safeguard their systems against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long run, organizations should prioritize regular security audits, code reviews, and user training to enhance awareness regarding potential security threats like XSS vulnerabilities. By incorporating secure coding practices and staying vigilant about software updates, businesses can fortify their defenses against such risks.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and promptly applying patches released by Mattermost is essential to ensure that systems remain protected against known vulnerabilities. Staying proactive in software maintenance helps prevent potential security breaches and safeguards sensitive data from compromise.