CVE-2017-18113 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/02/2021
The DefaultOSWorkflowConfigurator class in Jira Server and Jira Data Center before version 8.18.1 allows remote attackers who can trick a system administrator to import their malicious workflow to execute arbitrary code via a Remote Code Execution (RCE) vulnerability. The vulnerability allowed for various problematic OSWorkflow classes to be used as part of workflows. The fix for this issue blocks usage of unsafe conditions, validators, functions and registers that are build-in into OSWorkflow library and other Jira dependencies. Atlassian-made functions or functions provided by 3rd party plugins are not affected by this fix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/03/2025
The CVE-2017-18113 vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center versions prior to 8.18.1, demonstrating the dangerous intersection of workflow configuration and privilege escalation in enterprise issue tracking systems. This vulnerability resides within the DefaultOSWorkflowConfigurator class, which serves as a critical component for managing workflow configurations in Jira's underlying OSWorkflow framework. The flaw operates through a sophisticated social engineering vector where attackers must convince a system administrator to import a malicious workflow file, creating a dangerous attack surface that leverages administrative trust and workflow import functionality.
The technical exploitation mechanism of this vulnerability stems from the unsafe handling of workflow configuration data within the OSWorkflow library, specifically targeting the execution of OSWorkflow classes that contain built-in conditions, validators, and functions capable of executing arbitrary operating system commands. When a privileged administrator imports a malicious workflow, the vulnerable DefaultOSWorkflowConfigurator processes these workflow elements without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This represents a classic example of a privilege escalation vulnerability where the attacker leverages administrative privileges to execute code with the same permissions as the Jira service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-18113 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within network environments where Jira servers reside. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-74 and CWE-94, representing code injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, respectively. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation) as attackers can leverage the RCE capability to execute malicious payloads and elevate their privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical sophistication beyond social engineering, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where workflow management is common and administrators may be less cautious about importing workflow files from untrusted sources.
Atlassian's remediation approach for CVE-2017-18113 focused on implementing strict validation and filtering mechanisms within the DefaultOSWorkflowConfigurator class, specifically blocking usage of dangerous OSWorkflow classes and functions that could lead to code execution. The fix selectively targets built-in OSWorkflow library components while preserving functionality for Atlassian-native functions and third-party plugin functions, demonstrating a careful balance between security hardening and maintaining system usability. This approach aligns with security best practices for privilege separation and defense in depth, ensuring that workflow import functionality cannot be abused to execute arbitrary code. Organizations must ensure that all Jira installations are updated to version 8.18.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the fix addresses the root cause by preventing the execution of unsafe workflow components that could lead to complete system compromise.