CVE-2008-6531 in JIRA
Summary
by MITRE
The WebWork 1 web application framework in Atlassian JIRA before 3.13.2 allows remote attackers to invoke exposed public JIRA methods via a crafted URL that is dynamically transformed into method calls, aka "WebWork 1 Parameter Injection Hole."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-6531 represents a critical parameter injection flaw within the WebWork 1 framework component of Atlassian JIRA versions prior to 3.13.2. This issue stems from the framework's improper handling of user-supplied input parameters that are subsequently transformed into method invocations within the application's runtime environment. The flaw exists in the parameter binding and method resolution mechanisms that allow malicious actors to manipulate URL parameters to execute unintended operations within the JIRA application context.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the dynamic method invocation capabilities inherent in the WebWork 1 framework. When JIRA processes incoming requests, it parses URL parameters and attempts to map them to internal methods or actions within the application. The vulnerability occurs because the framework does not properly validate or sanitize these parameters before they are used in method resolution. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing specially formatted parameters that, when processed by the vulnerable framework, result in the execution of arbitrary methods within the JIRA application's classpath. This creates a path for remote code execution or unauthorized access to sensitive application functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it provides remote attackers with the capability to exploit exposed public JIRA methods without requiring authentication or prior access to the system. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform various malicious activities including but not limited to arbitrary code execution, data manipulation, information disclosure, and potentially full system compromise. The attack surface is broad as it affects all publicly accessible JIRA methods that are exposed through the WebWork 1 framework, making it particularly dangerous in environments where JIRA is exposed to untrusted networks or users.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1068 for "Exploitation for Privilege Escalation." The vulnerability represents a classic example of insecure parameter handling that enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute unauthorized operations within the application's security boundaries. Organizations utilizing affected JIRA versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations due to the lack of proper input validation and method invocation controls.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves upgrading to Atlassian JIRA version 3.13.2 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the parameter injection vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to JIRA applications, particularly where possible, and consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious parameter patterns. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level parameter sanitization and proper method access controls to prevent unauthorized method invocation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar issues within the application infrastructure.