CVE-2023-29529: matrix-js-sdk vulnerable to invisible eavesdropping in group calls

Severity: medium (CVSS 5.3 v3.1)
Exploited in the wild: not listed in CISA KEV
EPSS: 0.5% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days
Public exploit or detection template: none known
Published: 2023-04-14 · updated 2026-06-17
Weakness: CWE-862

Description

matrix-js-sdk is the Matrix Client-Server SDK for JavaScript and TypeScript. An attacker present in a room where an MSC3401 group call is taking place can eavesdrop on the video and audio of participants using matrix-js-sdk, without their knowledge. To affected matrix-js-sdk users, the attacker will not appear to be participating in the call. This attack is possible because matrix-js-sdk's group call implementation accepts incoming direct calls from other users, even if they have not yet declared intent to participate in the group call, as a means of resolving a race condition in call setup. Affected versions do not restrict access to the user's outbound media in this case. Legacy 1:1 calls are unaffected. This is fixed in matrix-js-sdk 24.1.0. As a workaround, users may hold group calls in private rooms where only the exact users who are expected to participate in the call are present.

Affected products

matrix-org matrix-js-sdk: before 24.1.0 — fixed in 24.1.0

How to fix

Upgrade to a fixed version: matrix-org matrix-js-sdk 24.1.0. Check the vendor advisory for mitigations.

References

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