CVE-2015-5603 in HipChat for JIRA Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
The HipChat for JIRA plugin before 6.30.0 for Atlassian JIRA allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary Java code via unspecified vectors, related to "Velocity Template Injection Vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2024
The HipChat for JIRA plugin vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that affected versions prior to 6.30.0 within the Atlassian JIRA ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the plugin's handling of user input within template processing mechanisms, creating a pathway for authenticated attackers to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary Java code on the underlying server. The issue stems from improper validation and sanitization of input data that flows into the Velocity template engine, which is commonly used for dynamic content generation within web applications. Attackers who have gained legitimate access to a JIRA instance can exploit this weakness to bypass normal security controls and gain full control over the affected system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability falls under the category of Velocity Template Injection as classified by industry standards, which aligns with CWE-94 - Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection') and CWE-74 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component. The flaw occurs when user-supplied data is directly incorporated into Velocity templates without proper escaping or validation, allowing attackers to inject malicious template syntax that gets executed during template rendering. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the context of the JIRA application, potentially accessing sensitive data, modifying user permissions, or even establishing persistent backdoors. The attack vector requires only authenticated access to the JIRA system, making it particularly concerning as it can be exploited by insiders or compromised user accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of organizations relying on JIRA for issue tracking and project management. When exploited, the vulnerability allows attackers to perform actions such as accessing confidential project information, modifying or deleting issues, creating new user accounts with elevated privileges, and potentially escalating to system-level access. The attack can result in data breaches, compliance violations, and significant business disruption. Organizations using affected versions of the HipChat plugin face potential exposure to advanced persistent threats where attackers can maintain long-term access to their JIRA instances. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the entire JIRA deployment, as it can be used to manipulate audit logs, hide malicious activities, and compromise the trustworthiness of the system's data.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade to version 6.30.0 or later of the HipChat for JIRA plugin, which contains the necessary patches to prevent template injection attacks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of compromised accounts, while monitoring for suspicious activities in JIRA logs. The remediation process should include thorough vulnerability scanning and assessment of other plugins that may be vulnerable to similar template injection flaws. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and input validation controls as additional defensive measures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: Java and T1566.001 - Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment, as attackers may use compromised accounts to exploit this weakness. Regular security assessments and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced through third-party plugins in the JIRA ecosystem.