CVE-2022-39251

Matrix Javascript SDK vulnerable to Olm/Megolm protocol confusion

Description

Matrix Javascript SDK is the Matrix Client-Server SDK for JavaScript. Prior to version 19.7.0, an attacker cooperating with a malicious homeserver can construct messages that legitimately appear to have come from another person, without any indication such as a grey shield. Additionally, a sophisticated attacker cooperating with a malicious homeserver could employ this vulnerability to perform a targeted attack in order to send fake to-device messages appearing to originate from another user. This can allow, for example, to inject the key backup secret during a self-verification, to make a targeted device start using a malicious key backup spoofed by the homeserver. These attacks are possible due to a protocol confusion vulnerability that accepts to-device messages encrypted with Megolm instead of Olm. Starting with version 19.7.0, matrix-js-sdk has been modified to only accept Olm-encrypted to-device messages. Out of caution, several other checks have been audited or added. This attack requires coordination between a malicious home server and an attacker, so those who trust their home servers do not need a workaround.

Category

8.6
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.13%
Vendor Advisory gentoo.org Vendor Advisory matrix.org
Affected: matrix-org matrix-js-sdk
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2022-39251?
CVE-2022-39251 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2022-39251?
To fix CVE-2022-39251, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2022-39251 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2022-39251 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2022-39251?
CVE-2022-39251 affects matrix-org matrix-js-sdk.
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