CVE-2020-14178 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE
Affected versions of Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center allow remote attackers to enumerate project keys via an Information Disclosure vulnerability in the /browse.PROJECTKEY endpoint. The affected versions are before version 7.13.7, from version 8.0.0 before 8.5.8, and from version 8.6.0 before 8.12.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-14178 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center platforms that exposes project keys to unauthorized remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically affects the /browse.PROJECTKEY endpoint which is designed to facilitate navigation and access to project resources within the Jira environment. The flaw exists in multiple version ranges including versions prior to 7.13.7, versions 8.0.0 through 8.5.7, and versions 8.6.0 through 8.11.9, making it a widespread issue affecting the majority of Jira installations in the affected release series. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and input validation mechanisms within the project key enumeration process, allowing malicious actors to systematically discover valid project identifiers without proper authentication or authorization.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper access controls in the browse endpoint functionality, enabling attackers to perform automated enumeration of project keys by making specific requests to the /browse.PROJECTKEY endpoint. When an attacker sends a request with a project key parameter, the system responds with information about the project even when the attacker does not possess legitimate access rights to that project. This behavior violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and access control, as the system should only return project information when proper authentication and authorization have been established. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through simple HTTP requests, making it particularly dangerous as it requires minimal technical expertise to execute. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200 (Information Disclosure) and represents a clear violation of the principle of information hiding in software security design.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as project key enumeration can serve as a precursor to more sophisticated attacks within the Jira environment. Attackers can use the discovered project keys to map the organization's project landscape, identify critical business projects, and potentially discover sensitive information about project structures, timelines, and team compositions. The vulnerability enables reconnaissance activities that can lead to privilege escalation attempts, data exfiltration, and targeted attacks against specific projects or teams. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the reconnaissance phase, specifically targeting the discovery of system information and network resources. The ability to enumerate project keys without authentication creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Jira for sensitive project management and issue tracking, as it provides attackers with a map of the internal project structure and potential targets for further exploitation.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to the patched versions mentioned in the advisory, specifically versions 7.13.7, 8.5.8, and 8.12.0, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network-level controls such as implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the /browse endpoint, deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious requests, and establishing proper access controls for the Jira instance should be considered. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security patch management and the need for organizations to maintain up-to-date security practices. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential information disclosure vulnerabilities within their Jira installations and related systems. The incident underscores the critical need for proper input validation and access control mechanisms in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data and project information. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging controls to detect unauthorized access attempts to project resources and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to address information disclosure vulnerabilities in their Jira environments.