CVE-2022-36059
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2022-36059 is a vulnerability in matrix-js-sdk where specially crafted events can disrupt or corrupt the SDK's runtime data processing. This affects applications using matrix-js-sdk for Matrix protocol communication, potentially causing data loss or corruption. Users of affected versions may experience degraded functionality even when the SDK appears operational.
💻 Affected Systems
- matrix-js-sdk
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Permanent data corruption or loss in Matrix clients, disruption of messaging functionality, and potential denial of service for applications relying on the SDK.
Likely Case
Temporary disruption of client functionality, corrupted message display, and need for client restart or data clearing to restore normal operation.
If Mitigated
Minimal impact with proper patching; applications continue to function normally with all data processed correctly.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires ability to send specially crafted events to vulnerable clients, typically requiring some level of access to the Matrix network.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 19.4.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-js-sdk/security/advisories/GHSA-rfv9-x7hh-xc32
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update matrix-js-sdk dependency to version 19.4.0 or later. 2. Run npm update matrix-js-sdk or yarn upgrade matrix-js-sdk. 3. Restart all applications using the SDK. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Event Redaction and Storage Clear
allRedact malicious events and clear client storage to restore functionality
# Manual process: Identify and redact problematic events via Matrix client
# Clear all local storage for the affected application
Sync Processor Wait and Restart
allWait for sync processor to store data, then restart client
# No specific commands - manual process: 1. Allow sync to complete 2. Restart Matrix client
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict input validation and filtering for Matrix events before processing
- Monitor for abnormal client behavior and implement automated restart procedures when corruption is detected
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check package.json or run: npm list matrix-js-sdk | grep matrix-js-sdkCheck Version:
npm list matrix-js-sdk | grep matrix-js-sdkVerify Fix Applied:
Verify installed version is 19.4.0 or later: npm list matrix-js-sdk📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unexpected client restarts
- Sync errors or timeouts
- Data corruption warnings in application logs
Network Indicators:
- Abnormal event patterns in Matrix traffic
- Increased client reconnection attempts
SIEM Query:
source="matrix-client" AND (error OR restart OR corruption OR sync_failed)