Mattermost versions 9.5.x <= 9.5.7 and 9.10.x <= 9.10.0 fail to time limit and size limit the CA path file in the ElasticSearch configuration which allows a System Role with access to the Elasticsearch system console to add any file as a CA path field, such as /dev/zero and, after testing the connection, cause the application to crash.
The product does not properly control the allocation and maintenance of a limited resource.
| Name | Vendor | Start Version | End Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mattermost | Mattermost | 9.5.0 (including) | 9.5.8 (excluding) |
| Mattermost | Mattermost | 9.10.0 (including) | 9.10.1 (excluding) |
Mitigation of resource exhaustion attacks requires that the target system either:
The first of these solutions is an issue in itself though, since it may allow attackers to prevent the use of the system by a particular valid user. If the attacker impersonates the valid user, they may be able to prevent the user from accessing the server in question.
The second solution is simply difficult to effectively institute – and even when properly done, it does not provide a full solution. It simply makes the attack require more resources on the part of the attacker.