CVE-2020-15944 in Gantt-Chart Module
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in the Gantt-Chart module before 5.5.5 for Jira. Due to missing validation of user input, it is vulnerable to a persistent XSS attack. An attacker can embed the attack vectors in the dashboard of other users. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker has to be authenticated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/05/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-15944 represents a critical persistent cross-site scripting flaw within the Gantt-Chart module of Atlassian Jira prior to version 5.5.5. This security weakness resides in the inadequate validation of user input parameters, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject harmful script code into the application's user interface. The vulnerability specifically affects the dashboard functionality where user-generated content is rendered without proper sanitization, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers. The attack vector exploits the trust relationship between the application and its users, leveraging legitimate user sessions to deliver malicious payloads that persist across multiple interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the Gantt-Chart module's data processing pipeline. When users create or modify Gantt chart configurations, the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing and rendering it on dashboards. This allows attackers to embed malicious JavaScript code within chart parameters, which then executes whenever other users view the affected dashboard. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, specifically manifesting as a persistent XSS attack that can affect multiple users simultaneously. The attack requires an authenticated user context, meaning that exploitation cannot occur through anonymous access but rather through compromised legitimate user accounts or privilege escalation within the Jira environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to potentially steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, and access sensitive project information. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once an attacker successfully injects malicious code, it will continue to execute for all users who view the compromised dashboard until the malicious content is removed or the vulnerability is patched. This creates a significant risk for organizations using Jira for project management and collaboration, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to confidential business data, manipulate project timelines, or disrupt workflow processes. The attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for social engineering through malicious file delivery, though in this case the delivery mechanism is through dashboard configuration rather than traditional file attachments.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the remediation measures recommended by Atlassian, including upgrading to version 5.5.5 or later of the Gantt-Chart module. Additional mitigations include implementing strict input validation policies, enabling content security policies to prevent script execution, and conducting regular security audits of user-generated content within the application. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input sanitization across all user-facing application components, particularly those that render dynamic content. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect unusual dashboard modifications and establish incident response procedures for handling potential XSS attacks in collaborative environments. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for robust security controls in web applications that process user input, particularly in enterprise collaboration platforms where multiple users interact with shared data and interfaces.