CVE-2024-38430 in Tafnit
Summary
by MITRE • 07/30/2024
Matrix - CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/16/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-38430 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Matrix messaging platform, classified under CWE-79 which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability exists in the web application component of Matrix where user-provided input is not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web pages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's output.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the failure to properly escape or filter user-controllable data that gets incorporated into HTML responses. When users send messages or interact with the web interface, their input may contain script tags, event handlers, or other malicious code sequences that are not properly neutralized before being displayed to other users. This occurs because the application's input validation mechanisms are insufficient to detect and remove potentially dangerous content that could be executed in the context of another user's browser session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and manipulation of the application's user interface. An attacker could craft malicious messages containing script code that would execute when other users view the content, potentially stealing cookies, redirecting users to malicious sites, or even executing commands on behalf of the victim. The vulnerability affects the core web functionality of Matrix, making it a critical concern for any organization relying on this platform for secure communications.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing comprehensive input sanitization and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's codebase. The recommended approach involves applying strict content security policies, implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-generated content, and utilizing established security libraries for input validation. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls, regular security code reviews, and automated testing for XSS vulnerabilities. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics, specifically focusing on the exploitation of web application vulnerabilities to execute malicious code in user browsers. The remediation process must include comprehensive testing to ensure that all input paths are properly sanitized and that the application's output is protected against script injection attacks.