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Attack Tree Analysis for element-hq/element-web

Objective: [Gain Unauthorized Access to, Modify, or Disrupt Matrix Communications]

Attack Tree Visualization

                                      [**Gain Unauthorized Access to, Modify, or Disrupt Matrix Communications**]
                                                      /                                                                     \
                                                     /
               =====================================                                                                    =====================================
               ||                                                   ||                                                                    ||                                              ||
[Exploit Vulnerabilities in Element-Web Codebase]                                                                    [**Compromise Dependencies of Element-Web**]
               ||                                                   ||                                                                    ||                                              ||
      =========||=========                                                                                             =========||=========
      ||                 ||                                                                                             ||               ||
[**Client-Side**]                                                                                             [**Vulnerable**   [**Supply Chain Attack**
**Vulnerabilities**]                                                                                             **Dependency**]  **on Dependency**]
      ||                                                                                             ||               ||
  ====||====                                                                                             ====||====       ====||====
  ||       ||                                                                                             ||               ||
[**XSS**] [CSRF]                                                                                             [**Known**      [**Compromised**
(via         (via                                                                                               **Vuln.**      **Developer**
Element     Element                                                                                             in Dep.]      **Account**]
-Web        -Web
Specific    Specific
Features)   Features)
  ||
  ||
[**E2EE**
**Bypass**]
               =====================================
               ||
[Manipulate Element-Web Configuration]
               ||
      =========||=========
      ||                 ||
[Misconfigured      [Weak/Default
  **Homeserver**]        **Credentials**]
      ||                 ||
  ====||====       ====||====
  ||       ||
[**Outdated**  [**Weak
**Homeserver**  Crypto]
**Config**]     **Config**]

Attack Tree Path: Gain Unauthorized Access to, Modify, or Disrupt Matrix Communications

  • Description: The ultimate objective of the attacker, focusing on the core functionality and data handled by Element-Web and the Matrix protocol.

Attack Tree Path: Exploit Vulnerabilities in Element-Web Codebase

  • Description: Directly targeting flaws within the Element-Web application code itself.

Attack Tree Path: Client-Side Vulnerabilities

  • Description: Vulnerabilities that exist within the client-side code of Element-Web, running in the user's browser. This is the primary attack surface.
    • [XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) (via Element-Web Specific Features)]
      • Description: Injecting malicious scripts into the Element-Web application, exploiting features specific to Element-Web.
      • [E2EE Bypass]
        • Description: A highly critical XSS vulnerability that specifically targets and bypasses the end-to-end encryption mechanism of Matrix, allowing the attacker to read or modify encrypted messages. This could involve manipulating key exchange, message decryption, or other E2EE-related processes.
      • Rich Text Editor Vuln: (Not explicitly in the high-risk tree, but a common XSS vector)
        • Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in the rich text editor used for message formatting.
    • [CSRF (Cross-Site Request Forgery) (via Element-Web Specific Features)]
      • Description: Tricking a user's browser into making unintended requests to the Matrix homeserver, leveraging Element-Web specific features. This could lead to unauthorized actions being performed on behalf of the user.

Attack Tree Path: Compromise Dependencies of Element-Web

  • Description: Exploiting vulnerabilities in the third-party libraries that Element-Web depends on.
    • [Vulnerable Dependency]
      • Description: A dependency with a known, publicly disclosed, and unpatched vulnerability.
      • [Known Vuln. in Dep.]
        • Description: The specific instance of a known vulnerability within a dependency. Attackers often scan for these known vulnerabilities.
    • [Supply Chain Attack on Dependency]
      • Description: A sophisticated attack where the attacker compromises the supply chain of a dependency, injecting malicious code before it reaches Element-Web.
      • [Compromised Developer Account]
        • Description: The attacker gains access to the account of a developer who maintains a dependency used by Element-Web. This allows the attacker to push malicious code updates.

Attack Tree Path: Manipulate Element-Web Configuration

  • Description: Exploiting weaknesses or misconfigurations in how Element-Web or the connected homeserver is set up.
    • [Misconfigured Homeserver]
      • Description: The Matrix homeserver that Element-Web connects to is improperly configured, exposing vulnerabilities.
      • [Outdated Homeserver Config]
        • Description: The homeserver software (e.g., Synapse) is running an outdated version with known vulnerabilities.
      • [Weak Crypto Config]
        • Description: The homeserver is configured to use weak cryptographic algorithms or settings, making it easier to break encryption or forge signatures.
    • [Weak/Default Credentials]
      • Description: Using default or easily guessable credentials for the homeserver administration or other related services, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access.