CVE-2019-10100 in YouTrack Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
In JetBrains YouTrack Confluence plugin versions before 1.8.1.3, it was possible to achieve Server Side Template Injection. The attacker could add an Issue macro to the page in Confluence, and use a combination of a valid id field and specially crafted code in the link-text-template field to execute code remotely.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-10100 represents a critical server-side template injection flaw in JetBrains YouTrack Confluence plugin versions prior to 1.8.1.3. This security weakness arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the plugin's macro processing functionality, specifically affecting how the link-text-template field handles user-provided content. The vulnerability exists in the context of Confluence's macro system where administrators and users can embed dynamic content through macros, creating an attack surface that malicious actors can exploit to execute arbitrary code on the target server.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of template variables within the plugin's rendering engine. When users add an Issue macro to a Confluence page, the plugin processes the link-text-template field without adequate sanitization of user inputs. This allows attackers to inject malicious template syntax that gets evaluated during the rendering process, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it leverages legitimate plugin functionality to achieve code execution, making detection more challenging and exploiting the trust relationship between the Confluence server and the plugin. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 as "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python" when the injected code targets Python-based components.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise potential. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to Confluence servers, potentially leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and persistence mechanisms. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since it operates within the legitimate Confluence macro framework, making it particularly insidious. Organizations using affected plugin versions face risks of unauthorized access to sensitive documentation, intellectual property theft, and potential lateral movement within network environments where Confluence servers serve as central collaboration platforms. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Confluence instances, with potential cascading effects on downstream systems that depend on Confluence for documentation and collaboration.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin version updates to 1.8.1.3 or later, which contain proper input sanitization and template escaping mechanisms. Organizations must also implement network segmentation to limit access to Confluence servers and monitor for unusual macro usage patterns. Additional protective measures include restricting user permissions for macro creation, implementing web application firewalls to detect suspicious template syntax, and conducting regular security assessments of third-party plugins. Security teams should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized code execution attempts and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated plugin in staging environments before deployment to production systems to ensure compatibility with existing workflows and configurations.