CVE-2023-5920 in Mattermost
Summary
by MITRE • 11/02/2023
Mattermost Desktop for MacOS fails to utilize the secure keyboard input functionality provided by macOS, allowing for other processes to read the keyboard input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5920 affects Mattermost Desktop applications running on macOS systems, specifically highlighting a critical security flaw in how the application handles keyboard input. This issue stems from the application's failure to properly implement macOS's secure keyboard input functionality, which is designed to protect sensitive information from being captured by malicious processes during input operations. The secure keyboard input feature in macOS is implemented through the Secure Keyboard Entry mechanism that prevents other applications from accessing keystrokes when a secure input field is active, typically used for password entry and other sensitive data inputs. When Mattermost Desktop fails to utilize this mechanism, it creates a vector for information disclosure attacks where malicious processes can potentially intercept and capture keyboard input events.
The technical flaw manifests when users interact with Mattermost Desktop on macOS, particularly when entering sensitive information such as passwords, API keys, or other confidential data. The absence of secure keyboard input implementation means that keystrokes are not properly isolated from other running processes, allowing for potential keylogging attacks or credential theft. This vulnerability operates at the operating system level integration point where desktop applications must properly declare their intent to use secure input modes. The flaw represents a direct violation of secure coding practices and proper operating system API utilization, as the application should be invoking the appropriate macOS APIs to enable secure input handling. This issue falls under the category of improper input validation and security feature bypass according to CWE classification, specifically CWE-200 for exposure of sensitive information and CWE-119 for insufficient protection of data.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-5920 extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates opportunities for attackers to capture sensitive information within the Mattermost desktop environment. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Mattermost is used for secure communications and collaboration, as it could enable attackers to intercept confidential messages, authentication tokens, or other sensitive data that users input into the application. The attack surface is widened by the fact that this vulnerability affects all versions of Mattermost Desktop on macOS that do not properly implement secure keyboard input, potentially impacting thousands of users across various organizations. The vulnerability can be exploited by any malicious process running on the same system, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments or shared workstations. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1555.003 for credentials from password stores and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the captured input for further exploitation within the system.
Organizations utilizing Mattermost Desktop on macOS systems should immediately implement mitigations to address CVE-2023-5920. The primary recommendation involves updating to the latest version of Mattermost Desktop where the secure keyboard input functionality has been properly implemented and enabled. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring for suspicious processes that might attempt to capture keyboard input, as well as reviewing application permissions and access controls. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other applications that may be affected by similar issues, as this type of vulnerability is not unique to Mattermost and may exist in other desktop applications. The mitigation strategy should also include user awareness training to educate employees about the risks of running untrusted applications on systems where sensitive information is handled. Organizations should consider implementing endpoint detection and response solutions that can monitor for keyboard input interception activities and alert on potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security testing during application development, particularly around operating system integration points and security feature implementation.