CVE-2021-41313 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2021
Affected versions of Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center allow authenticated but non-admin remote attackers to edit email batch configurations via an Improper Authorization vulnerability in the /secure/admin/ConfigureBatching!default.jspa endpoint. The affected versions are before version 8.21.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2021
This vulnerability resides within Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center platforms, specifically affecting versions prior to 8.21.0. The flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that allows authenticated users who lack administrative privileges to manipulate email batch configuration settings through a specific web endpoint. The vulnerability manifests at the /secure/admin/ConfigureBatching!default.jspa path, which serves as an administrative interface for managing email batching operations within the Jira environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate access control validation within the web application's authorization framework. An attacker must first establish authentication credentials to the Jira system but does not require administrative rights to exploit this weakness. The improper authorization condition occurs when the application fails to properly verify whether the authenticated user possesses sufficient privileges to modify email batch configurations. This authorization failure enables unauthorized users to submit requests that modify system settings typically restricted to administrators, potentially allowing for disruption of email processing workflows or manipulation of notification delivery mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple configuration changes, as email batching configurations directly influence how Jira system notifications are delivered to users. An attacker could potentially disrupt legitimate email communications by modifying batch processing intervals, changing recipient lists, or altering email delivery parameters. This capability could lead to information disclosure through manipulation of notification content, denial of service by disrupting email delivery, or even facilitate further attacks by compromising the integrity of system communications. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of email-based system operations within Jira, which are fundamental to user collaboration and workflow management.
Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 8.21.0 or later, as this update contains the necessary authorization controls to prevent unauthorized access to email batch configuration settings. Administrators should also conduct thorough access control reviews to identify any other potential authorization bypass vulnerabilities within the Jira environment. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.002 for phishing through email, as it could enable attackers to manipulate email communications within the platform. Security monitoring should focus on detecting unusual access patterns to administrative endpoints, particularly those related to email configuration changes, to identify potential exploitation attempts.