CVE-2020-36231 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/02/2021
Affected versions of Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center allow remote attackers to view the metadata of boards they should not have access to via an Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) vulnerability. The affected versions are before version 8.5.10, and from version 8.6.0 before 8.13.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-36231 represents a critical access control flaw within Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center platforms that exposes sensitive metadata to unauthorized users. This issue stems from an insecure direct object reference vulnerability that allows remote attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve board metadata that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. The flaw affects a broad range of versions including those prior to 8.5.10 and versions between 8.6.0 and 8.13.1, creating a substantial window of exposure for organizations using these platforms. The vulnerability specifically targets the board metadata functionality, which contains sensitive information about project structures, user permissions, and organizational workflows that could be exploited for further attacks or information gathering.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through improper validation of user permissions when accessing board-related metadata endpoints. When users make requests to retrieve board information, the system fails to adequately verify whether the requesting user has legitimate access rights to view the specific board metadata in question. This allows attackers to manipulate object references directly in API calls or web requests to access restricted board data without proper authentication or authorization. The flaw operates at the application layer and leverages the inherent trust placed in internal object references, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from remote locations without requiring prior access to the system. According to CWE standards, this maps directly to CWE-639: Authorization Bypass Through User-Controlled Key, which specifically addresses scenarios where user-controllable input can be used to bypass authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the exposed board metadata could provide attackers with valuable intelligence for planning more sophisticated attacks. The metadata typically includes information about project hierarchies, user roles, board configurations, and access patterns that could be used to map organizational structures and identify potential attack vectors. This information disclosure vulnerability could enable attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities that would otherwise be blocked by proper access controls, potentially leading to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the affected systems. Organizations using Jira Server and Data Center are particularly vulnerable since these platforms often serve as central hubs for project management, issue tracking, and collaboration, making the exposed metadata highly valuable for attackers seeking to understand organizational workflows and security postures.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions 8.5.10 and 8.13.2 or later, as these releases contain the necessary fixes to address the insecure direct object reference vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of API endpoints should be implemented to detect anomalous access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Access controls should be reviewed and strengthened to ensure that proper authorization checks are enforced for all board-related metadata requests. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1087.002: Account Discovery - Local Account, as attackers may use the exposed metadata to identify user accounts and their access rights within the Jira environment. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing additional logging and alerting mechanisms around board metadata access to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for security investigations.