CVE-2019-20400 in JIRA
Summary
by MITRE
The usage of Tomcat in Jira before version 8.5.2 allows local attackers with permission to write a dll file to a directory in the global path environmental variable can inject code into via a DLL hijacking vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-20400 represents a critical DLL hijacking flaw affecting Atlassian Jira versions prior to 8.5.2 when running on Windows systems. This vulnerability stems from the improper handling of dynamic link library loading within the Jira application's execution environment, creating a path traversal scenario that enables malicious code injection. The flaw specifically manifests when Jira executes on Windows platforms and attempts to load required DLL libraries, particularly in scenarios where the application's global path environment variable contains directories that are writable by local attackers. This issue falls under the broader category of CWE-426 Untrusted Search Path, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where applications search for libraries in potentially compromised locations. The vulnerability creates a dangerous condition where an attacker with write permissions to directories within the PATH environment variable can place malicious DLL files that will be loaded by the legitimate Jira process, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have local access to the system and write permissions to directories within the global PATH environment variable where Jira is installed or operates. When Jira attempts to load a required DLL library, the Windows dynamic link library loader searches through the directories listed in the PATH environment variable in order. If an attacker can write to one of these directories, they can place a malicious DLL with the same name as a legitimate library that Jira expects to load. This technique leverages the trust relationship between the application and the operating system's DLL loading mechanism, allowing the attacker's malicious code to execute within the context of the Jira process. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it can be executed without requiring elevated privileges beyond what is necessary to write files to the compromised directory, and the malicious DLL will be loaded automatically when Jira attempts to perform its normal operations. This vulnerability is categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework as a form of privilege escalation through DLL hijacking, specifically targeting the execution and persistence tactics.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-20400 extends beyond simple code injection to potentially enable full system compromise when combined with other attack vectors. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Jira service account, which may have extensive access to the system's resources and potentially to sensitive data stored within the Jira application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Jira may be running with elevated privileges or have access to critical business data. The attack can remain undetected for extended periods since the malicious DLL execution appears to be a legitimate system operation. Organizations using affected versions of Jira are at risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure, especially if the Jira service account has access to other systems or databases. The vulnerability also impacts the integrity of the application and can be used to establish persistent backdoors or to exfiltrate sensitive information through the compromised Jira installation.
The recommended mitigation strategy for CVE-2019-20400 involves upgrading to Atlassian Jira version 8.5.2 or later, which includes proper DLL loading mechanisms that prevent this type of hijacking attack. Organizations should also implement strict PATH environment variable controls, ensuring that only trusted directories are included in the search path and that write permissions are restricted for these directories. System administrators should conduct regular audits of the PATH environment variable and verify that no unauthorized directories are present. Additional protective measures include implementing application whitelisting solutions that restrict which DLLs can be loaded by the Jira process, using Windows Defender Application Control or similar technologies to enforce code integrity policies. Network segmentation and privilege separation should be implemented to minimize the potential impact if an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability. The mitigation approach should also include monitoring for suspicious DLL loading activities through Windows Event Logging and endpoint detection solutions that can identify when applications attempt to load DLLs from unexpected locations. Organizations should also consider implementing least privilege principles for the Jira service account and ensure that it only has access to the minimum required resources to perform its legitimate functions.