CVE-2017-18082 in Bamboo
Summary
by MITRE
The plan configure branches resource in Atlassian Bamboo before version 6.2.3 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript via a cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability through the name of a branch.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-18082 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Atlassian Bamboo's plan configuration branches functionality. This issue affects versions prior to 6.2.3 and stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms in the branch name parameter handling. The vulnerability exists within the web application's user interface where branch names are displayed without proper sanitization, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted branch names containing malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when the branch information is rendered.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross site scripting vulnerabilities in software applications. This weakness allows attackers to manipulate web applications by injecting client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The flaw operates through the standard XSS attack vector where user-supplied data flows directly into the application's output without appropriate encoding or validation. In the context of Bamboo, when administrators or developers view the plan configuration interface, the malicious branch name gets rendered as HTML, executing the injected JavaScript code within the victim's browser session. This creates a persistent threat where any user accessing the affected interface could be compromised, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised environment. An attacker could craft branch names containing scripts that steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even modify the application's behavior to exfiltrate sensitive configuration data. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Bamboo is used for continuous integration and deployment processes, as it could potentially allow attackers to access build artifacts, source code repositories, or other sensitive information. The attack surface is broad since any user with permission to create or modify branch configurations could exploit this vulnerability, making it a significant risk to organizations that rely on Bamboo for their software development workflows.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Atlassian Bamboo version 6.2.3 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as this release includes proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent XSS attacks. System administrators should also implement additional security measures including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security scanning of their Bamboo installations. The mitigation strategy should include input validation at multiple layers, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before being processed or displayed. Organizations should also conduct regular security awareness training for developers and administrators to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper access controls and monitoring for unusual branch creation activities can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against common web application vulnerabilities that can have severe operational consequences.