CVE-2020-24898 in Table Filter
Summary
by MITRE
The Table Filter and Charts for Confluence Server app before 5.3.26 (for Atlassian Confluence) allows SSRF via the "Table from CSV" macro (URL parameter).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-24898 affects the Table Filter and Charts for Confluence Server application, specifically versions prior to 5.3.26, within the Atlassian Confluence environment. This flaw represents a significant security risk that exploits a server-side request forgery vulnerability through the "Table from CSV" macro functionality. The issue arises when users interact with the macro's URL parameter, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors to perform unauthorized server-side requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the macro processing logic. When users provide a URL parameter to the "Table from CSV" macro, the application fails to properly validate or restrict the input, allowing attackers to craft malicious URLs that can target internal network resources or external systems. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-918, which describes server-side request forgery vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied URLs, enabling attackers to make requests to arbitrary destinations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform reconnaissance activities, access internal services, and potentially escalate privileges within the network. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to target internal databases, web services, or other sensitive systems that are not directly exposed to the internet but are accessible from the Confluence server. This represents a critical risk for organizations that rely on Confluence for internal collaboration and document management, as it could lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive systems, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1566 for credential access through social engineering. Attackers can use this vulnerability to bypass network segmentation controls and gain access to internal resources that would normally be protected by firewalls or other network security measures. The attack surface is particularly concerning because Confluence servers often have elevated privileges and access to various internal systems, making this a high-value target for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or conduct reconnaissance activities.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided patch for version 5.3.26 or higher to remediate this vulnerability. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls, restricting outbound connections from Confluence servers, and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns in macro usage. The mitigation strategy should include comprehensive network segmentation, regular security assessments, and enhanced monitoring of Confluence server activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review their Confluence macro configurations and consider disabling unnecessary macros or implementing strict access controls for macro functionality to minimize the attack surface and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.