CVE-2023-38690

What it is

matrix-appservice-irc is a Node.js IRC bridge for Matrix. Prior to version 1.0.1, it is possible to craft a command with newlines which would not be properly parsed. This would mean you could pass a string of commands as a channel name, which would then be run by the IRC bridge bot. Versions 1.0.1 and above are patched. There are no robust workarounds to the bug. One may disable dynamic channels in the config to disable the most common execution method but others may exist.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network without logging in. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.9% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2023-08-04 17:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 06:10 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.9% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 5.8 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-08-04 17:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 06:10 UTC

Exploit probability

0.9% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Matrix Irc Bridge < 1.0.1

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 5.8

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

None

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-38690.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-38690. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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