CVE-2022-39251: Matrix Javascript SDK vulnerable to Olm/Megolm protocol confusion

Published Sep 28, 2022
·
Updated

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.

Other sources

Thunderbird users who use the Matrix chat protocol were vulnerable to an impersonation attack. An adversary could spoof historical messages from other users. Additionally, a malicious key backup to the user's account under certain unusual conditions in order to exfiltrate message keys.

Affected Software

2 affected componentsFixes available
matrix Javascript Sdk Node.js<19.7.0
Mozilla Thunderbird<102.3.1
102.3.1

Event History

Sep 28, 2022
CVE Published
via MITRE·12:00 AM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·12:00 AM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness

Parent advisories

This vulnerability appears in the following advisories.

Peer vulnerabilities

Found alongside the following vulnerabilities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is CVE-2022-39251?

CVE-2022-39251 is a vulnerability that affects Thunderbird users who use the Matrix chat protocol.

2

How does CVE-2022-39251 impact Thunderbird users?

CVE-2022-39251 allows an adversary to spoof historical messages from other users and exfiltrate message keys.

3

Which version of Thunderbird is affected by CVE-2022-39251?

Thunderbird version 102.3.1 is affected by CVE-2022-39251.

4

What is the severity of CVE-2022-39251?

CVE-2022-39251 has a severity rating of high with a value of 7.

5

How can Thunderbird users protect themselves from CVE-2022-39251?

Users should update Thunderbird to version 102.3.1 or later to protect themselves from CVE-2022-39251.

Contact

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