matrix-spec/proposals/2209-auth-rules-other-keys-in-m.room.power.levels.md

Update auth rules to check notifications key in m.room.power_levels

Introduction

The key notifications was added to the m.room.power_levels event after the finalisation of the auth rules specified in room version 1. This leads to the fact, that this dictionary is not subject to the same validation as other dictionaries in the event, such as users or events. This especially means that Alice is able to alter any entry within the dictionary including ones, that are above her own power level, which is inconsistent with the behaviour for the other two dictionaries.

m.room.power_levels room version 1

Proposal

The auth rules regarding m.room.power_levels have been established in room version 1. The general idea here was that creators of a new m.room.power_levels event are only able to make changes to something that is equal to or lower than their own power level. So, assuming a room with Alice (50), Bob (100), m.room.power_levels at 50, m.room.name at 75 and m.room.topic at 25 would mean the following:

• Alice CAN alter m.room.topic to any power level up to her own, in this case 50
• Alice is NOT able to alter m.room.name since the current value is higher than her own (75 > 50)
• Alice is NOT able to alter the power level of Bob, since his current value is higher than her own (100 > 50)
• Alice is free to set the level for anything that has not been defined such as org.alice.message up to a maximum of 50

Later on the key notifications was added to the m.room.power_levels event. It contains a mapping of notification keys to a power level, that is required for a user to trigger the specific notification. The most famous notification type is the @room notification.

Going back to the original example because this key was added later on, the auth rules make no mention of it, which enables the following behaviour. It is assumed that @room is at 75

• Alice can add any key to the dictionary and set the value to any value she wants, including ones higher than her own.
• Alice can alter the value for @room to any value she wants, including ones that are higher than her own, even though her own value is lower.

The proposed solution is to alter the auth rules and add the notifications dictionary to the same rules that handle events and users.

So the rule 10.d of the auth rules in room version 1 would be updated in a new room version to:

For each entry being added, changed or removed in events, users and notifications keys:

Tradeoffs

The proposed solution would be a breaking change with current room versions and the alternative would be to leave the notifications key without any checks.

Security considerations

This is likely to improve security because it prevents malicious users that were only given the right to emit m.room.power_levels so that they could alter a very specific key, such as invite, from altering the rules established for triggering notifications.

Conclusion

The current spec conform behaviour regarding notifications is inconsistent with behaviour shown by the other dictionaries and room administrators are very likely expecting the notifications to work the same as them. The required change is minimal is and also in line with the general spirit of the auth rules regarding the m.room.power_levels event. A new room version is, however, required. This can be done with other pending changes.