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attack-surface.md

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Attack Surface Analysis for matomo-org/matomo

Attack Surface: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) via Tracking Parameters

  • Description: Attackers inject malicious JavaScript into tracking parameters. If Matomo doesn't properly sanitize this input, the script could execute in the context of a Matomo administrator's browser when viewing reports.
    • How Matomo Contributes: Matomo's core functionality involves storing and displaying data received from tracking requests. This data handling is the direct source of the XSS risk if not performed securely.
    • Example: An attacker sends a tracking request with a custom variable containing <script>alert('XSS')</script>. If Matomo fails to encode this before displaying it in the reporting interface, the script executes.
    • Impact: Compromise of Matomo administrator accounts, data theft, defacement of the Matomo interface, potential for further attacks against the server.
    • Risk Severity: Critical
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Output Encoding (Verify Matomo's Implementation): While Matomo should handle output encoding, actively verify this. Use browser developer tools to inspect the HTML source and confirm that potentially dangerous characters are properly encoded (e.g., < becomes &lt;).
      • Content Security Policy (CSP): Implement a strong CSP on the Matomo interface. This is a critical defense-in-depth measure. A well-configured CSP prevents the execution of inline scripts, even if output encoding fails. Example: Content-Security-Policy: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self' 'nonce-yourGeneratedNonce'; style-src 'self'; img-src 'self'; (replace 'nonce-yourGeneratedNonce' with a dynamically generated nonce, and ensure the nonce is used correctly in your script tags).
      • Regular Security Audits and Penetration Testing: Conduct regular security audits and penetration tests, specifically targeting XSS vulnerabilities within the Matomo interface and any installed plugins.
      • Stay Updated: Keep Matomo and all plugins updated to the latest versions. Security patches frequently address XSS vulnerabilities.

Attack Surface: Plugin Vulnerabilities

  • Description: Third-party Matomo plugins can introduce a wide range of vulnerabilities, including XSS, SQL injection, file upload vulnerabilities, and more. This is a direct attack surface introduced by Matomo's extensibility.
    • How Matomo Contributes: Matomo's plugin architecture allows for third-party code execution within the Matomo environment. This inherently introduces the risk of vulnerabilities present in that third-party code.
    • Example: A poorly coded plugin might not sanitize user input before using it in a database query (SQL injection), or it might allow unrestricted file uploads (leading to web shell execution).
    • Impact: Varies widely, but can range from data breaches to complete server compromise, depending on the specific plugin vulnerability.
    • Risk Severity: High to Critical (depending on the plugin and vulnerability)
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Careful Plugin Selection: Only install plugins from trusted sources (preferably the official Matomo marketplace). Review the plugin's code (if available), reputation, and security history.
      • Keep Plugins Updated: Regularly update all installed plugins to their latest versions. This is crucial for patching known vulnerabilities.
      • Principle of Least Privilege: If possible, run Matomo with limited privileges on the server. This minimizes the impact of a plugin compromise.
      • Disable Unused Plugins: Remove any plugins that are not actively in use. This reduces the attack surface.
      • Code Review (if feasible): If you have the expertise, perform a code review of any critical plugins before deployment, focusing on security best practices.

Attack Surface: Authentication Bypass (Matomo Admin Interface)

  • Description: Weaknesses in Matomo's authentication mechanisms could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to the administration interface.
    • How Matomo Contributes: Matomo provides its own built-in authentication system. Vulnerabilities or misconfigurations in this system are the direct cause of this risk.
    • Example: An attacker might use brute-force attacks against weak passwords, exploit a vulnerability in the password reset functionality, or use session hijacking if session management is insecure.
    • Impact: Complete control over the Matomo installation, access to all tracked data, potential for further attacks against the server.
    • Risk Severity: Critical
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Strong Passwords and Password Policies: Enforce strong password policies for all Matomo administrator accounts (minimum length, complexity, regular changes).
      • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Enable and require MFA for all Matomo administrator accounts. Matomo supports plugins for various MFA methods. This is a critical mitigation.
      • Regularly Review User Permissions: Ensure only necessary users have administrative access, and their permissions are appropriately limited (principle of least privilege).
      • Secure Session Management: Ensure Matomo uses secure session management:
        • HTTPS: Always use HTTPS for the Matomo interface.
        • Secure Cookies: Set the HttpOnly and Secure flags on all Matomo cookies.
        • Session Timeouts: Configure appropriate session timeouts.
        • Session ID Regeneration: Verify that Matomo regenerates session IDs after a successful login.

Attack Surface: SQL Injection (within Matomo or Plugins)

  • Description: Although Matomo itself is generally well-protected, vulnerabilities could exist, especially in custom plugins or older, unpatched versions of Matomo.
    • How Matomo Contributes: Matomo relies on a database. Any code within Matomo or its plugins that interacts with the database presents a potential SQL injection risk.
    • Example: A poorly coded plugin might not properly escape user input before using it in a SQL query.
    • Impact: Data breaches, data modification, potential for complete database server compromise.
    • Risk Severity: High to Critical
    • Mitigation Strategies:
      • Keep Matomo and Plugins Updated: This is the most important mitigation. Updates often include security fixes.
      • Database User Permissions (Principle of Least Privilege): The database user Matomo connects with should have only the necessary privileges (SELECT, INSERT, UPDATE, DELETE on the Matomo database). It should not have administrative privileges on the entire database server.
      • Web Application Firewall (WAF): A WAF can help detect and block SQL injection attempts. Configure rules specific to Matomo.
      • Code Review (for custom plugins): If developing custom plugins, perform thorough code reviews, focusing on database interactions. Use parameterized queries or prepared statements exclusively.

Attack Surface: Insecure Configuration (Defaults and Misconfigurations - specifically config/config.ini.php exposure)

  • Description: Exposing the config/config.ini.php file. * How Matomo Contributes: This file is part of Matomo and contains sensitive information. * Example: Accessing yoursite.com/matomo/config/config.ini.php and seeing database credentials. * Impact: Complete compromise of the Matomo database. * Risk Severity: Critical * Mitigation Strategies:
    • .htaccess (Apache) or web.config (IIS): Use server configuration files to deny direct access to the config directory. For Apache: 
      <Files "*">
    Require all denied
</Files>
    • Move Config File (Recommended): Move config.ini.php outside of the web root. Matomo provides instructions for this.