CVE-2019-11581 is a critical vulnerability that allows attackers to exploit server-side template injection in Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center. This vulnerability affects versions of Jira from 4.4.0 before 7.6.14, from 7.7.0 before 7.13.5, from 8.0.0 before 8.0.3, from 8.1.0 before 8.1.2, and from 8.2.0 before 8.2.3. The risk to organizations includes remote code execution, which can lead to a complete compromise of the affected systems.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical. Organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of Jira should prioritize patching immediately to protect against potential exploits. The urgency is underscored by the fact that exploitation can be executed remotely without the need for user interaction.
The vulnerability was first published on August 9, 2019, and has since been analyzed by various security teams. It is included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, and organizations must act swiftly to remediate this issue.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should assess their current Jira installations and apply necessary updates as outlined by Atlassian to mitigate any risks associated with this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is a server-side template injection in the ContactAdministrators and SendBulkMail actions of Jira Server and Data Center. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable systems. The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact associated with this vulnerability.
The affected systems are those running all versions of Jira Server and Data Center from 4.4.0 before 7.6.14, from 7.7.0 before 7.13.5, from 8.0.0 before 8.0.3, from 8.1.0 before 8.1.2, and from 8.2.0 before 8.2.3.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2019-11581 stems from improper input validation in the template engine used by Jira Server and Data Center. Attackers can exploit this flaw through the network, leveraging low attack complexity without requiring any privileges or user interaction.
The attack can lead to a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability due to the ability to execute arbitrary code. As such, organizations must be vigilant in monitoring their systems for any signs of exploitation.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2019-11581 is significant, as successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access and control over Jira instances, potentially compromising sensitive data. The blast radius of this vulnerability can be extensive, affecting any organization using the affected versions of Jira Server and Data Center.
Given that this vulnerability is actively listed in the KEV catalog, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts based on their risk tolerance and operational requirements. The high EPSS score indicates that the probability of exploitation in the wild is substantial, further emphasizing the urgency for organizations to apply the necessary patches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Jira Server and Data Center from 4.4.0 before 7.6.14, from 7.7.0 before 7.13.5, from 8.0.0 before 8.0.3, from 8.1.0 before 8.1.2, and from 8.2.0 before 8.2.3 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions must take immediate action to upgrade to the latest patched versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply patches as per vendor recommendations. For Jira, this includes upgrading to versions beyond the vulnerable ranges specified earlier. If patches are not immediately available, organizations should implement strong network controls and monitor for unusual activities. Regular security assessments, including penetration testing and vulnerability management practices, can help in identifying and mitigating risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for logs indicating unauthorized access attempts or unusual behavior in Jira applications is crucial. Security teams should focus on behavioral anomalies and potential exploitation patterns. Regular reviews of system changes and access logs can provide insight into potential exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2019-11581 highlights the persistent risk associated with server-side template injection vulnerabilities. Security teams should learn from this incident to reinforce defenses against similar vulnerabilities. A strategic takeaway is to integrate security throughout the development lifecycle to ensure vulnerabilities are caught early, along with conducting regular penetration testing to assess application security.
Furthermore, organizations should consider the implementation of comprehensive security frameworks such as the vulnerability management program to enhance their overall security posture.
Overall, the exploitation of this vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for continuous monitoring, timely patching, and proactive security measures to safeguard sensitive information.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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