CVE-2023-38690: matrix-appservice-irc IRC command injection via admin commands containing newlines
Impact
It is possible to craft a command with newlines which would not be properly parsed. This would mean you could pass a string of commands as a channel name, which would then be run by the IRC bridge bot.
Patches
Versions 1.0.1 and above are patched.
Workarounds
There are no robust workarounds to the bug. You can disable dynamic channels in the config to disable the most common execution method but others may exist. It is highly recommended to upgrade the bridge.
Credits
Discovered and reported by Val Lorentz.
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory email us at security@matrix.org.
Other sources
matrix-appservice-irc is a Node.js IRC bridge for Matrix. Prior to version 1.0.1, it is possible to craft a command with newlines which would not be properly parsed. This would mean you could pass a string of commands as a channel name, which would then be run by the IRC bridge bot. Versions 1.0.1 and above are patched. There are no robust workarounds to the bug. One may disable dynamic channels in the config to disable the most common execution method but others may exist.
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2023-38690?
The severity of CVE-2023-38690 is critical with a CVSS score of 9.8.
How can I exploit CVE-2023-38690?
To exploit CVE-2023-38690, you would need to craft a command with newlines to be run by the IRC bridge bot.
Is CVE-2023-38690 patched?
Yes, CVE-2023-38690 is patched in versions 1.0.1 and above.
Are there any workarounds for CVE-2023-38690?
No, there are no known workarounds for CVE-2023-38690.
Where can I find more information about CVE-2023-38690?
You can find more information about CVE-2023-38690 on the GitHub security advisories and release pages.