title: Matrix Javascript SDK vulnerable to impersonation via forwarded Megolm sessions
description: Matrix Javascript SDK is the Matrix Client-Server SDK for JavaScript. Prior to version 19.7.0, an attacker cooperating with a malicious homeserver can construct messages appearing to have come from another person. Such messages will be marked with a grey shield on some platforms, but this may be missing in others. This attack is possible due to the matrix-js-sdk implementing a too permissive key forwarding strategy on the receiving end. Starting with version 19.7.0, the default policy for accepting key forwards has been made more strict in the matrix-js-sdk. matrix-js-sdk will now only accept forwarded keys in response to previously issued requests and only from own, verified devices. The SDK now sets a `trusted` flag on the decrypted message upon decryption, based on whether the key used to decrypt the message was received from a trusted source. Clients need to ensure that messages decrypted with a key with `trusted = false` are decorated appropriately, for example, by showing a warning for such messages. This attack requires coordination between a malicious homeserver and an attacker, and those who trust your homeservers do not need a workaround.
problem types: CWE-322: Key Exchange without Entity Authentication
affected:
{
vendor: matrix-org
product: matrix-js-sdk
versions:
version: < 19.7.0, status: affected
}
metrics:
cvssV3_1: [
version: 3.1
vectorString: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N
attackVector: NETWORK
attackComplexity: LOW
privilegesRequired: NONE
userInteraction: NONE
scope: UNCHANGED
confidentialityImpact: NONE
integrityImpact: HIGH
availabilityImpact: NONE
baseScore: 7.5
baseSeverity: HIGH
]