CVE-2023-36462

Mastodon's verified profile links can be formatted in a misleading way

Description

Mastodon is a free, open-source social network server based on ActivityPub. Starting in version 2.6.0 and prior to versions 3.5.9, 4.0.5, and 4.1.3, an attacker can craft a verified profile link using specific formatting to conceal arbitrary parts of the link, enabling it to appear to link to a different URL altogether. The link is visually misleading, but clicking on it will reveal the actual link. This can still be used for phishing, though, similar to IDN homograph attacks. Versions 3.5.9, 4.0.5, and 4.1.3 contain a patch for this issue.

Category

5.4
CVSS
Severity: Medium
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 1.05% Top 25%
Vendor Advisory github.com
Affected: mastodon mastodon
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Link Tags
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/security/advisories/GHSA-55j9-c3mp-6fcq vendor advisory
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/commit/610731b03dfcadd887078cb0399f4e514aa1931c patch
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v3.5.9 release notes
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v4.0.5 release notes
https://github.com/mastodon/mastodon/releases/tag/v4.1.3 release notes

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2023-36462?
CVE-2023-36462 has been scored as a medium severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2023-36462?
To fix CVE-2023-36462, 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-2023-36462 being actively exploited in the wild?
It is possible that CVE-2023-36462 is being exploited or will be exploited in a near future based on public information. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~1% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2023-36462?
CVE-2023-36462 affects mastodon mastodon.
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