CVE-2022-1982 in Mattermost
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2022
Uncontrolled resource consumption in Mattermost version 6.6.0 and earlier allows an authenticated attacker to crash the server via a crafted SVG attachment on a post.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-1982 represents a critical resource consumption issue within the Mattermost collaboration platform affecting versions 6.6.0 and earlier. This flaw enables authenticated attackers to deliberately consume excessive system resources through the upload of maliciously crafted svg attachments, ultimately leading to server crashes and potential service disruption. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and resource management during the processing of svg file uploads, creating a pathway for attackers to exploit the platform's resource handling mechanisms.
This security weakness manifests as an uncontrolled resource consumption flaw that operates through the server's attachment processing pipeline. When an authenticated user uploads a specially crafted svg file, the Mattermost server's parsing and rendering mechanisms become overwhelmed with resource-intensive operations. The vulnerability specifically targets the server's ability to handle svg attachments, where the malicious file triggers excessive memory allocation, cpu processing, or other resource utilization patterns that can lead to system instability or complete server failure. The attack requires authentication, meaning only users with valid credentials can exploit this vulnerability, but it does not require administrative privileges or special access rights beyond normal user accounts.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-1982 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise the availability and integrity of the entire Mattermost platform. Server crashes resulting from this vulnerability can lead to extended downtime, data accessibility issues, and potential loss of communication channels within organizations relying on Mattermost for collaboration. The resource exhaustion can affect not only the targeted server but also impact adjacent systems and services that depend on the platform's availability. Organizations may experience significant operational disruption, particularly in environments where Mattermost serves as a critical communication infrastructure component.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-400, which describes uncontrolled resource consumption or resource exhaustion flaws in software systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under T1499.004, specifically targeting network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion. The vulnerability represents a classic example of how seemingly benign file upload functionality can become a vector for system compromise when proper input validation and resource management are absent. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including version updates to Mattermost 6.7.0 or later, which contain patches addressing this specific resource consumption issue, along with enhanced monitoring of attachment upload activities and implementation of resource quotas for file uploads to prevent similar exploitation patterns.
The remediation strategy should prioritize the immediate deployment of Mattermost version 6.7.0 or higher, which includes specific fixes for the svg attachment processing logic. Additionally, system administrators should implement network-level controls to monitor and limit file upload sizes, particularly for svg attachments, and establish automated detection mechanisms for unusual resource consumption patterns. Regular security assessments should include verification of proper input validation for all file upload mechanisms, ensuring that the platform maintains robust defenses against similar resource exhaustion attacks. Organizations utilizing Mattermost should also consider implementing additional layers of protection such as file type restrictions, content scanning, and comprehensive logging of attachment-related activities to maintain visibility into potential exploitation attempts.