CVE-2019-19678 in Xray Test Management
Summary
by MITRE
In "Xray Test Management for Jira" prior to version 3.5.5, remote authenticated attackers can cause XSS in the generic field entry point via the Generic Test Definition field of a new Generic Test issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19678 affects the Xray Test Management for Jira plugin, specifically versions prior to 3.5.5, presenting a significant cross-site scripting vulnerability that can be exploited by remote authenticated attackers. This flaw resides within the generic field entry point of the plugin's test management functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject harmful scripts into the application's user interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the Generic Test Definition field within new Generic Test issues, which represents a core functionality area where users input critical test information. The attack vector requires authentication, meaning that only users with valid Jira credentials can exploit this vulnerability, but this does not diminish its severity given that authenticated users typically have access to sensitive project data and system functionalities.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the Generic Test Definition field processing. When users submit test definitions containing malicious script payloads, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape these inputs before rendering them in the user interface. This allows attackers to inject JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected test definitions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 - Cross-site Scripting, which is categorized as a critical security weakness that enables attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in victims' browsers. The specific nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79.1, representing a direct injection flaw where user-controllable data flows into the application's output without proper sanitization, creating persistent XSS conditions that can affect multiple users over time.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable sophisticated attack chains that compromise the integrity of the entire test management environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify test results, or even escalate privileges within the Jira environment. The affected Generic Test Definition field serves as a potential gateway for more serious attacks, as it allows attackers to manipulate test data that may be used for critical decision-making processes. This vulnerability can be particularly damaging in enterprise environments where Jira serves as a central repository for test cases, bug tracking, and quality assurance processes. The attack can persist across multiple user sessions, making it difficult to contain and trace, and could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive test data, modification of test results, or disruption of development workflows. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent footholds within the development environment through the manipulation of test artifacts that are frequently accessed by development teams.
The remediation strategy for CVE-2019-19678 requires immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patch version 3.5.5, which addresses the input validation and output encoding deficiencies in the Generic Test Definition field processing. Organizations should conduct thorough testing of the patched version to ensure compatibility with existing workflows and configurations before deployment. Additionally, implementing comprehensive input validation measures at multiple layers of the application architecture can provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities. The mitigation approach should include regular security assessments of third-party plugins, particularly those with elevated privileges or access to sensitive data, and the implementation of automated scanning tools that can detect similar XSS vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy (CSP) headers as an additional protective measure, which can help prevent execution of unauthorized scripts even if similar vulnerabilities are discovered in the future. Organizations should also review their access control policies to ensure that only necessary users have permissions to create or modify Generic Test issues, reducing the attack surface for this particular vulnerability. The remediation process should be integrated into the standard security patch management procedures, with regular monitoring for similar vulnerabilities in other Jira plugins and the broader Atlassian ecosystem. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security practices for third-party integrations, as these components often represent significant attack vectors within enterprise environments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1213 - Data from Information Repositories, as it provides attackers with access to test data and potentially sensitive project information, while also supporting T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter through the execution of malicious scripts within user browsers.