matrix-appservice-irc vulnerable to IRC mode parameter confusion
Impact
IRC allows you to specify multiple modes in a single mode command. Due to a bug in the underlying matrix-org/node-irc library, affected versions of matrix-appservice-irc perform parsing of such modes incorrectly, potentially resulting in the wrong user being given permissions.
Mode commands can only be executed by privileged users, so this can only be abused if an operator is tricked into running the command on behalf of an attacker.
Patches
The vulnerability has been patched in matrix-appservice-irc 0.35.0.
Workarounds
Refrain from entering mode commands suggested by untrusted users. Avoid using multiple modes in a single command.
References
Credits
Discovered and reported by Val Lorentz.
For more information
If you have any questions or comments about this advisory email us at security@matrix.org.
Affected software
Click a technology to see all vulnerabilities affecting it.
| Platform | Package | Vulnerable versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| npm package | matrix-appservice-irc | < 0.35.0 | 0.35.0 |
References
- https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-appservice-irc/security/advisories/GHSA-cq7q-5c67-w39w
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-39202
- https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-appservice-irc/commit/5f87dbed87b4b6dc49b7965ff152ee8535719e67
- https://github.com/matrix-org/matrix-appservice-irc
- https://matrix.org/blog/2022/09/13/security-release-of-matrix-appservice-irc-0-35-0-high-severity
- CVSS vector
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:L- Weakness (CWE)
CWE-269- Platform
- npm
- Package
matrix-appservice-irc- Disclosed
- 15.09.2022
- Updated
- 11.10.2026 10:22
Sources and licenses
OSV / GitHub Advisory Database - GHSA-cq7q-5c67-w39w - CC BY 4.0
Vulnerability history: matrix-appservice-irc
All published vulnerabilities of this package (npm package), newest first. Shows whether this is a one-off slip or a package that needs watching.
- Total entries
- 9
- First → latest
- 05.2022 02.2025
- Without a fix
- 0
- Exploited in attacks
- 0
Severity breakdown
- High 2
- Medium 5
- Low 2
Disclosures per year
- 2022: 4
- 2023: 2
- 2024: 2
- 2025: 1
- 2026: 0
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