CVE-2019-3400 in JIRA
Summary
by MITRE
The labels gadget in Jira before version 7.13.2, and from version 8.0.0 before version 8.0.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript via a cross site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the jql parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3400 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within Atlassian Jira's label gadget functionality. This issue affects versions prior to 7.13.2 and also impacts versions 8.0.0 through 8.0.1, creating a significant security gap that enables remote attackers to execute malicious code through web-based interfaces. The vulnerability specifically resides in how the system processes the jql parameter within the labels gadget, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code. This flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust users place in Jira's interface elements, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Jira serves as a central collaboration platform. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, which directly enables XSS attacks that can persist across user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious JQL queries containing HTML or JavaScript payloads that are then processed by the labels gadget. When other users view the affected gadget or interact with the Jira interface, the injected code executes in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it requires no special privileges or authentication to exploit, making it accessible to anyone with access to the vulnerable Jira instance. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for JavaScript execution and T1566 for credential access through phishing or session manipulation. The flaw essentially transforms legitimate Jira functionality into a vector for malicious code delivery, as the labels gadget processes user-supplied JQL parameters without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-3400 extends beyond simple code injection, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to Jira environments and potentially compromise entire enterprise collaboration systems. Organizations utilizing Jira for issue tracking, project management, and team collaboration face significant risks when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as attackers can use the XSS to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or even inject backdoors for continued access. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but can also compromise the integrity of project data and team communications, as the injected code can modify or manipulate displayed information in real-time. Security teams must consider the cascading effects of such an attack, as compromised Jira instances often serve as stepping stones for broader network infiltration, particularly in environments where Jira integrates with other enterprise systems. The vulnerability's persistence is enhanced by the fact that it operates within the user interface layer, making detection more challenging and allowing attackers to maintain access across multiple sessions.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected Jira versions to address this vulnerability, with the recommended remediation being the upgrade to Jira 7.13.2 or 8.0.2, whichever version applies to their installation. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation for JQL parameters, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and filter suspicious requests, and conducting comprehensive security reviews of all gadget configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution and establish monitoring protocols to detect anomalous JQL query patterns. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and the necessity of regular vulnerability assessments for collaboration platforms that handle sensitive enterprise data. Organizations with legacy Jira installations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit potential attack surfaces while awaiting full patch deployment.