CVE-2021-43941 in JIRA Server
Summary
by MITRE • 02/15/2022
Affected versions of Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center allow remote attackers to modify several resources (including CsvFieldMappingsPage.jspa and ImporterValueMappingsPage.jspa) via a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability in the jira-importers-plugin. The affected versions are before version 8.13.15, and from version 8.14.0 before 8.20.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/18/2022
The CVE-2021-43941 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center platforms that has significant implications for organizational security postures. This vulnerability specifically targets the jira-importers-plugin component, which is responsible for handling various import operations and administrative functions within the Jira environment. The affected resources include CsvFieldMappingsPage.jspa and ImporterValueMappingsPage.jspa, which are integral parts of the import functionality that allow users to map and configure data imports from various sources. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 8.13.15 and in versions from 8.14.0 through 8.20.2, creating a substantial window of exposure for organizations using these platform versions. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of request origins and lack of proper anti-CSRF token implementation within the affected administrative pages, making it particularly dangerous as it allows remote attackers to manipulate critical import configurations without proper authorization.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-352, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Request Forgery weaknesses in software applications. The vulnerability operates by tricking authenticated users into executing unintended actions through maliciously crafted requests that appear legitimate to the web application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by constructing specially crafted web pages or email attachments that, when visited by an authenticated Jira user, automatically submit requests to modify import configurations. This type of attack leverages the trust relationship between the web application and the user, bypassing normal authentication mechanisms. The impact is particularly severe because the affected pages are used for critical data import operations, meaning an attacker could potentially manipulate how data is mapped and imported, leading to data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or even complete system compromise if the import operations are used to inject malicious content into the Jira environment.
The operational impact of CVE-2021-43941 extends beyond simple data manipulation, as it represents a significant threat to organizational data integrity and security infrastructure. When attackers successfully exploit this vulnerability, they can modify import configurations that control how external data is processed and integrated into the Jira system, potentially allowing them to redirect data flows, alter field mappings, or even introduce malicious code through import operations. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal user interaction beyond visiting a malicious webpage, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security measures. Organizations using affected Jira versions face risks of unauthorized data modification, potential data loss, or compromised system integrity, especially if import operations are used to process sensitive business or customer data. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access patterns by modifying import configurations that could be used for future exploitation or data exfiltration operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address CVE-2021-43941, with the primary recommendation being the upgrade to Jira versions 8.13.15 or 8.20.3 and later, which contain the necessary patches to resolve the CSRF vulnerability. The affected jira-importers-plugin must be updated to ensure proper anti-CSRF token validation is implemented across all affected pages, including CsvFieldMappingsPage.jspa and ImporterValueMappingsPage.jspa. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and monitor system logs for suspicious import configuration changes. Network security controls such as web application firewalls should be configured to detect and block suspicious requests targeting the affected Jira pages, while also implementing strict access controls and monitoring for administrative activities. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts and establishing robust incident response procedures that include monitoring for unauthorized import configuration modifications. The remediation process should also include a thorough review of existing import operations and configurations to ensure no unauthorized changes have occurred, with particular attention to any recent import activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing comprehensive security monitoring across all enterprise applications, particularly those handling sensitive business data and administrative functions.