CVE-2021-37866 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in Mattermost Boards plugin that allows an attacker to reuse old session tokens for authorization.

Understanding CVE-2021-37866

This CVE highlights a security flaw in Mattermost Boards that fails to invalidate a session on the server-side when a user logs out, leading to session token reuse.

What is CVE-2021-37866?

The Mattermost Boards plugin version 0.10.0 and earlier does not properly invalidate sessions upon user logout, enabling attackers to exploit old session tokens for unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2021-37866

With a CVSS base score of 4.7, this vulnerability has a medium severity level. It poses a high risk to confidentiality due to the unauthorized reuse of session tokens by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-37866

This section will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Mattermost Boards plugin allows for the reuse of old session tokens after users log out, compromising system security and potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Mattermost Boards plugin versions up to and including 0.10.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Versions 0.9.5, 0.8.4, and 0.7.5 are not affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can capitalize on this vulnerability by utilizing old session tokens to gain unauthorized entry, posing a significant threat to system confidentiality.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard against CVE-2021-37866, immediate action and long-term security practices are imperative.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should update the Mattermost Boards plugin to a patched version and revoke any existing session tokens for enhanced security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust session management techniques, regular security updates, and monitoring user sessions can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Mattermost and promptly apply patches or updates to mitigate known vulnerabilities.