CVE-2018-13399 in FishEye
Summary
by MITRE
The Microsoft Windows Installer for Atlassian Fisheye and Crucible before version 4.6.1 allows local attackers to escalate privileges because of weak permissions on the installation directory.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13399 affects Microsoft Windows Installer components used in Atlassian Fisheye and Crucible versions prior to 4.6.1, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that directly impacts system security. This issue stems from inadequate permission controls within the installation directory structure, creating a pathway for local attackers to elevate their privileges from standard user level to administrative rights. The weakness exists in how the installer handles directory permissions during the installation process, leaving critical system components accessible to unauthorized users.
The technical flaw manifests through improper access control mechanisms that fail to enforce appropriate security boundaries around the installation directory. When the Windows Installer processes the installation package, it does not adequately restrict write permissions to the installation directory, allowing local users to modify or replace critical installation files. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-276, which addresses incorrect permissions for critical resources, and falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities. Attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging the elevated permissions granted to the installer process to modify installation files, potentially injecting malicious code or altering existing binaries to gain administrative privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems and opens doors to further exploitation within network environments. Local attackers who can execute code on a target system can use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate their access to other systems, or move laterally through networks where Fisheye and Crucible are deployed. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on these Atlassian products for code review and issue tracking, as compromised systems can lead to unauthorized access to source code repositories, configuration files, and sensitive development data. This represents a significant concern for security teams managing development environments where such tools are commonly deployed.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.6.1 or later, which resolves the permission handling issues in the Windows Installer. Organizations should also implement proper access control measures including regular permission audits of installation directories, enforcement of least privilege principles, and monitoring for unauthorized modifications to critical system files. Additionally, security hardening practices such as implementing application whitelisting, using security tools that can detect unauthorized file modifications, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments should be employed. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically targeting the "Modify Registry" and "Create or Modify System Process" tactics, making it a critical target for defensive security operations and incident response procedures.