CVE-2023-5339 in Mattermost
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Mattermost Desktop fails to set an appropriate log level during initial run after fresh installation resulting in logging all keystrokes including password entry being logged.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5339 affects the Mattermost Desktop application, a widely used enterprise communication platform that facilitates team collaboration through chat interfaces. This security flaw manifests during the initial execution phase of the application following a fresh installation, creating a critical exposure that compromises user authentication data. The issue stems from the application's improper configuration of logging mechanisms, specifically failing to establish appropriate log levels that would normally filter out sensitive information during normal operation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's default logging behavior which operates at an overly verbose level during startup procedures. When Mattermost Desktop initializes after installation, it does not properly configure its logging subsystem to suppress sensitive data such as keystrokes, passwords, and other authentication credentials. This misconfiguration results in the application logging all user input activities including password entry, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with access to the system. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of security best practices regarding information disclosure and sensitive data handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, creating significant risks for organizations relying on Mattermost for enterprise communication. When users enter passwords or other authentication credentials, these inputs are logged in plaintext within the application's log files, potentially exposing sensitive authentication information to unauthorized parties. The risk is particularly severe because the vulnerability occurs during the initial setup phase, meaning that any user who installs the application and performs authentication activities will have their credentials logged without their knowledge or consent. This exposure can lead to credential compromise, unauthorized access to enterprise communication channels, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
This vulnerability aligns with several cybersecurity standards and frameworks, including CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-200 (Information Exposure) which specifically address the improper handling of sensitive data in applications. The issue also maps to ATT&CK technique T1531 (Create or Modify System Process) and T1078 (Valid Accounts) as it could enable attackers to obtain valid credentials through log file analysis, potentially leading to persistent access within target environments. Organizations using Mattermost Desktop should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment, particularly in environments where sensitive data is handled or where strict compliance with information security standards is required.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5339 should include immediate application updates from Mattermost to address the logging configuration issue, implementation of log file monitoring and access controls, and comprehensive security awareness training for users regarding the importance of protecting authentication credentials. System administrators should also implement file-level access controls on log directories, ensure proper log rotation and retention policies, and consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual patterns in log file access or content. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar logging misconfigurations across their software ecosystem and establish processes for verifying that logging mechanisms properly filter sensitive information during all application lifecycle phases.