CVE-2024-50575 in YouTrack
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
In JetBrains YouTrack before 2024.3.47707 reflected XSS was possible in Widget API
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50575 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw discovered in JetBrains YouTrack prior to version 2024.3.47707. This security weakness resides within the Widget API component of the application, which serves as a critical interface for embedding custom widgets and visualizations within the YouTrack platform. The reflected XSS vulnerability arises when user-supplied input containing malicious scripts is processed and returned in the HTTP response without proper sanitization or encoding mechanisms. This allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected content. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Widget API functionality, which enables administrators and users to create and display custom widgets that may contain dynamic content or parameters. When these widgets process user input through URL parameters or API endpoints, the lack of input validation creates an attack surface where malicious payloads can be executed. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly escape or encode special characters in the reflected data, allowing script execution to occur in the victim's browser context. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared widgets and dashboards, as it could enable attackers to steal session cookies, perform actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious sites.
The technical implementation of this reflected XSS vulnerability demonstrates a classic weakness in input handling within the Widget API framework. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided parameters that are directly incorporated into the HTML response without appropriate encoding. Attackers can construct malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when accessed by other users, execute in their browsers. The vulnerability typically occurs when the system accepts parameters through GET requests or API calls and reflects them back in the response without proper context-aware encoding. This flaw aligns with CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. The attack vector leverages the fact that the Widget API processes user input in a way that does not adequately protect against script injection, making it possible for malicious actors to craft payloads that exploit the reflected nature of the vulnerability. The affected version range indicates that this was a relatively recent issue that had not been patched in earlier releases, suggesting that organizations using older versions of YouTrack were exposed to this risk. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can be combined with other techniques to create more sophisticated attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-50575 in a production environment can be significant, particularly in organizations that rely heavily on YouTrack's Widget API for project management dashboards, reporting, and custom visualizations. When exploited, the reflected XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the browser context of authenticated users, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation within the application. Users who view affected widgets could have their browser sessions compromised, allowing attackers to perform actions as those users, including modifying project data, accessing sensitive information, or creating new issues. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects the Widget API, which is commonly used in shared environments where multiple users interact with the same dashboards and reports. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when clicked by victims, execute malicious scripts that can steal cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or inject additional malicious code into the application. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that the attack payload must be delivered through a URL or API call, making it difficult to detect and prevent through standard network monitoring. Organizations using YouTrack in environments with high user interaction and shared dashboards face the greatest risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through legitimate user interactions with widgets.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-50575 focus primarily on updating to the patched version of JetBrains YouTrack, specifically version 2024.3.47707 or later. This update addresses the root cause by implementing proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the Widget API to prevent reflected XSS attacks. Organizations should also implement additional security controls including input validation at multiple layers, proper output encoding for all dynamic content, and regular security assessments of custom widgets and API endpoints. The implementation of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded, making it more difficult for attackers to execute malicious code even if the primary vulnerability exists. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious URL patterns and API calls that may indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct thorough audits of existing widgets and API integrations to identify any custom implementations that may be vulnerable to similar reflected XSS issues. Regular security training for administrators and developers on secure coding practices, particularly around input validation and output encoding, helps prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in custom applications. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework guidelines for mitigating web application vulnerabilities, specifically focusing on techniques related to input validation and output encoding. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads targeting reflected XSS vulnerabilities in their YouTrack instances. Regular patch management processes should be strengthened to ensure rapid deployment of security updates and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in critical business applications.