CVE-2017-16859 in FishEye
Summary
by MITRE
The review attachment resource in Atlassian Fisheye and Crucible before version 4.3.2, from version 4.4.0 before 4.4.3 and before version 4.5.0 allows remote attackers to read files contained within context path of the running application through a path traversal vulnerability in the command parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/23/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-16859 represents a critical path traversal flaw affecting Atlassian Fisheye and Crucible applications across multiple version ranges. This security weakness exists within the review attachment resource handling mechanism, specifically in how the application processes the command parameter. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to access files within the application's context path through improper input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters. The affected versions include all releases prior to 4.3.2, as well as those between 4.4.0 and 4.4.2, and all versions before 4.5.0, creating a substantial attack surface for malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to sensitive system files and data.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of the command parameter within the review attachment resource handler. When users submit requests containing malicious path traversal sequences, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate these inputs before processing them. This allows attackers to craft requests that can traverse the file system hierarchy and access files that should remain restricted to authorized users only. The flaw operates at the application layer where user input directly influences file system operations, making it particularly dangerous as it can potentially expose configuration files, source code repositories, database credentials, and other sensitive artifacts stored within the application's operational context. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1083 File and Directory Discovery, as it enables adversaries to enumerate and access files within the target system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to gain insights into the application's internal structure and potentially escalate their privileges. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to source code repositories, configuration files containing database connection strings, and other sensitive data that may be stored within the application's file system. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access to the system or local network presence to exploit it, making it particularly concerning for organizations that host these applications in publicly accessible environments. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, intellectual property theft, and potential system compromise if attackers leverage this vulnerability to gain deeper access to their infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to patched versions of Atlassian Fisheye and Crucible, specifically versions 4.3.2, 4.4.3, and 4.5.0 respectively. Additional defensive measures should include implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in file system operations. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of these applications to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating user inputs and implementing proper access controls in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their application environments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components that may be susceptible to path traversal attacks.