This vulnerability allows matrix-hookshot, a Matrix bot for connecting to external services like GitHub, GitLab, and JIRA, to be susceptible to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. Specifically, when configured with GitHub support, versions 6.0.1 and below, or 5.4.1 and below, may crash upon restart due to a missing check. This issue poses a significant risk, especially as untrusted users can add their own GitHub organizations, leading to potential service disruptions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.5, classifying it as medium severity. The impact of this vulnerability is primarily on availability, as the system can crash and become unresponsive. Organizations utilizing these versions of matrix-hookshot should prioritize patching to version 6.0.2 or 5.4.2, where the issue is resolved.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its potential impact on service availability, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle. Delaying remediation could lead to service outages or disruptions.
As of now, there are no known public exploits, and the vulnerability is not classified under the Known Exploited Vulnerability (KEV) list. However, the risk to organizations includes potential downtime and unavailability of critical services.
Organizations should monitor for any changes in the status of this vulnerability and ensure that updates are applied promptly.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability affects matrix-hookshot, a component designed to facilitate communication between Matrix and various external services. The affected versions, specifically Hookshot 6 version 6.0.1 or below and Hookshot 5 version 5.4.1 or below, are vulnerable when configured to support GitHub. The flaw resides in a missing check that might allow untrusted users to add their GitHub organizations. This could enable them to connect their rooms to GitHub repositories, leading to potential service interruptions.
The CVSS score of 6.5 indicates a medium severity risk, with high availability impact, low attack complexity, and low privileges required for exploitation. The vulnerability was published on January 27, 2025, and the recommended patched versions are 6.0.2 and 5.4.2.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the software's handling of user input related to GitHub organization configuration. The lack of a validation check for untrusted users allows them to manipulate the configuration, which can lead to a crash of the matrix-hookshot service upon restart.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely over the internet. The complexity of the attack is low, requiring minimal technical skill from the attacker. Only low privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, as the attack does not necessitate any specific user interaction.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of the system are not affected, but the availability is significantly compromised, as the service can crash, leading to user disruption.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of matrix-hookshot in environments where untrusted users can access the GitHub integration poses a real risk. The potential for a Denial of Service attack means that organizations could experience significant downtime, affecting both internal operations and external communications.
Organizations should conduct a risk assessment to understand the implications of this vulnerability in their specific environments. The lack of a known exploit at this time does not mitigate the risk, and the potential for exploitation still exists, especially in environments with high user turnover or where untrusted users have access.
The urgency for remediation is classified as medium due to the availability impact of this vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patching as part of their regular maintenance cycle to ensure continued availability of services.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of matrix-hookshot include Hookshot 6 version 6.0.1 and below, and Hookshot 5 version 5.4.1 and below. Organizations are advised to upgrade to version 6.0.2 or 5.4.2 to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize upgrading matrix-hookshot to the latest patched versions (6.0.2 or 5.4.2). In cases where immediate patching is not possible, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the GitHub integration only to trusted users. Monitoring logs for unusual activity related to GitHub connections may also help identify potential exploitation attempts.
For further guidance on implementing effective security measures, organizations can refer to penetration testing services that evaluate the effectiveness of their security posture.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor system logs for indicators of service crashes, especially during restarts. Behavioral anomalies related to the addition of GitHub organizations by users should also be logged and reviewed.
Network signatures indicating unauthorized access attempts or configuration changes can provide an additional layer of detection.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The medium severity of this vulnerability reflects a broader trend in software security where misconfigurations can lead to significant availability issues. Organizations should take this incident as a lesson to reinforce their security configurations and regularly audit their systems for similar vulnerabilities.
To enhance security practices, consider adopting vulnerability management programs that proactively identify and mitigate risks before they can be exploited.
Additionally, ongoing education and training in secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future software releases.
Organizations should also consider the benefits of engaging in penetration testing to evaluate their security posture and identify potential weaknesses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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