Description
Hikka, a Telegram userbot, has vulnerability affects all users on all versions of Hikka. Two scenarios are possible. 1. Web interface does not have an authenticated session: attacker can use his own Telegram account to gain RCE to the server by authorizing in the dangling web interface. 2. Web interface does have an authenticated session: due to insufficient warning in the authentication message, users were tempted to click "Allow" in the "Allow web application ops" menu. This gave an attacker access not only to remote code execution, but also to Telegram accounts of owners. Scenario number 2 is known to have been exploited in the wild. No known patches are available, but some workarounds are available. Use `--no-web` flag and do not start userbot without it; after authorizing in the web interface, close the port on the server and/or start the userbot with `--no-web` flag; and do not click "Allow" in your helper bot unless it is your explicit action that needs to be allowed.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-19066
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
The vulnerability in Hikka, a Telegram userbot, is critical due to its potential for remote code execution (RCE) and unauthorized access to Telegram accounts. The CVSS (Common Vulnerability Scoring System) base score of 10.0 indicates the highest level of severity. The vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H breaks down as follows:
- AV:N (Attack Vector: Network): The vulnerability is exploitable over the network.
- AC:L (Attack Complexity: Low): The attack requires minimal skill and resources.
- PR:N (Privileges Required: None): No privileges are required to exploit the vulnerability.
- UI:N (User Interaction: None): No user interaction is required for the attack to succeed.
- S:C (Scope: Changed): The vulnerability affects resources beyond the security scope managed by the security authority.
- C:H (Confidentiality: High): There is a high impact on the confidentiality of the data.
- I:H (Integrity: High): There is a high impact on the integrity of the data.
- A:H (Availability: High): There is a high impact on the availability of the system.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
-
Unauthenticated Web Interface:
- An attacker can use their own Telegram account to gain RCE by authorizing in the dangling web interface.
- This scenario does not require any prior authentication, making it highly exploitable.
-
Authenticated Web Interface:
- Due to insufficient warning in the authentication message, users may click "Allow" in the "Allow web application ops" menu.
- This action grants the attacker access to RCE and the Telegram accounts of the owners.
- This scenario has been exploited in the wild, indicating active threats.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
- Product: Hikka
- Vendor: hikariatama
- Affected Versions: All versions, specifically ≤ 1.7.0-wip
All users of Hikka are at risk, regardless of the version they are using.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
-
Immediate Workarounds:
- Use the
--no-webflag to disable the web interface. - After authorizing in the web interface, close the port on the server.
- Do not click "Allow" in your helper bot unless it is an explicit action that needs to be allowed.
- Use the
-
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Monitor for official patches and updates from the vendor.
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring for any suspicious activities.
- Educate users on the risks associated with allowing web application operations.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
The exploitation of this vulnerability can have severe implications for European cybersecurity:
- Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to Telegram accounts can lead to significant data breaches, including personal and sensitive information.
- Operational Disruption: RCE can cause operational disruptions, affecting the availability of critical services.
- Reputation Damage: Organizations using Hikka may face reputational damage due to security breaches.
- Regulatory Compliance: Failure to mitigate such vulnerabilities can result in non-compliance with GDPR and other regulatory frameworks, leading to legal and financial penalties.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
- Vulnerability Type: Remote Code Execution (RCE) and Unauthorized Access
- Exploitation Steps:
- Identify a Hikka userbot instance with an open web interface.
- Authorize using a Telegram account to gain RCE.
- For authenticated sessions, trick users into clicking "Allow" in the web application ops menu.
- Detection Methods:
- Monitor network traffic for unauthorized access attempts.
- Implement logging and alerting for suspicious activities related to the web interface.
- Regularly audit and review access logs for any anomalies.
- Mitigation Tools:
- Use network security tools to block unauthorized access.
- Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS).
- Regularly update and patch all software components.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Hikka poses a significant threat to users and organizations. Immediate action is required to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability. Security professionals should prioritize implementing the recommended workarounds and closely monitor for any updates or patches from the vendor. Continuous vigilance and proactive security measures are essential to safeguard against potential exploits.