CVE-2020-15822 in YouTrack
Summary
by MITRE • 10/20/2020
In JetBrains YouTrack before 2020.2.10514, SSRF is possible because URL filtering can be escaped.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/21/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15822 represents a significant server-side request forgery flaw in JetBrains YouTrack versions prior to 2020.2.10514. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and URL filtering mechanisms that fail to properly restrict external resource access. The flaw allows malicious actors to bypass security controls and make unauthorized requests to internal or external systems, potentially exposing sensitive infrastructure components. The vulnerability classification aligns with CWE-918, which specifically addresses server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate and sanitize external resource identifiers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when YouTrack processes user-supplied URLs or resource identifiers without sufficient validation. Attackers can craft malicious inputs that exploit weaknesses in the URL filtering logic, enabling them to circumvent access controls and potentially reach internal network resources that should remain protected. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be leveraged to perform reconnaissance activities, access internal services, or even facilitate further exploitation of the underlying infrastructure. The SSRF attack vector allows adversaries to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially gain unauthorized access to systems that are normally isolated from external networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-15822 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised environment. Organizations running vulnerable versions of YouTrack face risks including unauthorized access to internal services, potential data exfiltration, and the ability to use the application as a pivot point for further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system, as it allows unauthorized entities to interact with resources that should be protected. This type of vulnerability can be particularly devastating in environments where YouTrack is used to manage sensitive project data or where it has access to critical internal systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to JetBrains YouTrack version 2020.2.10514 or later, which includes proper URL filtering and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network-level controls including firewalls and access control lists to restrict outbound connections from the YouTrack server. Additional defensive measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious outbound requests, implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied URLs, and conducting regular security assessments of the application environment. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and access control enforcement in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1190 which covers the exploitation of server-side request forgery vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing application firewalls and web application security monitoring solutions to detect and prevent exploitation attempts.