CVE-2021-41307 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2021
Affected versions of Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center allow unauthenticated remote attackers to view the names of private projects and private filters via an Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) vulnerability in the Workload Pie Chart Gadget. The affected versions are before version 8.13.12, and from version 8.14.0 before 8.20.0.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/10/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2021-41307 represents a critical insecure direct object reference flaw within Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center platforms that enables unauthenticated attackers to access sensitive project and filter information. This vulnerability specifically affects the Workload Pie Chart Gadget component and manifests when users can manipulate object references to gain unauthorized access to private project names and private filters without proper authentication. The flaw exists in versions prior to 8.13.12 and in versions from 8.14.0 through 8.19.0, creating a substantial window of affected software releases that organizations must address immediately.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls within the Workload Pie Chart Gadget functionality. When attackers exploit this IDOR vulnerability, they can construct specific API requests or URL parameters that bypass normal authorization checks. This allows them to enumerate private project names and filter configurations that should only be accessible to authorized users with appropriate permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and leverages the lack of proper object validation mechanisms that should verify whether the requesting user has legitimate access rights to the targeted resources.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations using affected Jira versions. Attackers can gather intelligence about internal project structures, business priorities, and team compositions through the exposure of private project names. The disclosure of private filters provides additional insights into how teams organize and prioritize work, potentially revealing sensitive information about project timelines, resource allocation, and development processes. This intelligence gathering capability can enable more sophisticated attacks targeting specific teams or projects, making it particularly dangerous for organizations handling confidential or proprietary information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-639 which specifically addresses insecure direct object references and represents a classic example of how improper access control validation can lead to unauthorized information disclosure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations by upgrading to Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center versions 8.13.12 or 8.20.0 and later, as these releases contain the necessary patches to address the IDOR vulnerability. Additionally, administrators should review and implement network-level restrictions to limit access to Jira endpoints, particularly those related to gadget functionality. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1068 which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation' and T1566 which addresses 'Phishing with Social Engineering', as attackers may use the gathered information to craft more targeted social engineering campaigns or escalate privileges within the system. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious API access patterns and implement additional logging to detect potential exploitation attempts of this vulnerability.