CVE-2024-50578 in YouTrack
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2024
In JetBrains YouTrack before 2024.3.47707 stored XSS was possible via sprint value on agile boards page
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/02/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-50578 represents a stored cross-site scripting flaw within JetBrains YouTrack platform prior to version 2024.3.47707. This security weakness specifically affects the agile boards page functionality where users can configure sprint values that are subsequently stored in the application's database. The flaw enables attackers to inject malicious scripts that persist in the system and execute whenever affected pages are accessed by other users. The vulnerability resides in the improper sanitization of user input when processing sprint value parameters, allowing attackers to craft malicious payloads that can be stored and later executed in the context of other users' browsers. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for Cross-Site Scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing with Malicious Attachments, as it can be exploited to deliver malicious code through legitimate application interfaces. The stored nature of this XSS vulnerability means that the malicious scripts are permanently embedded in the application's data stores rather than requiring immediate user interaction to execute, making it particularly dangerous for persistent attacks. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites that appear legitimate. The impact extends beyond simple script execution as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration from the compromised YouTrack environment. The vulnerability affects organizations using older versions of the JetBrains YouTrack platform where agile boards functionality is utilized, particularly in environments where multiple users interact with sprint planning and tracking features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the agile board sprint value handling code. When users enter sprint values containing potentially malicious script content, the application fails to properly sanitize this input before storing it in the database. The stored data is then retrieved and rendered on subsequent page loads without appropriate context-aware encoding, allowing the malicious scripts to execute in the browser context of any user who views the affected agile board pages. This flaw demonstrates a classic failure in the principle of least privilege and proper input validation, where user-supplied data is not adequately filtered or escaped before being incorporated into dynamic web content. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core administrative functionality within the project management platform, meaning that attackers who can manipulate sprint values can potentially compromise the entire application environment. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction beyond the initial injection of malicious content, making it highly effective for automated attacks. The vulnerability's classification as stored XSS indicates that the malicious payload is preserved server-side and executed whenever the affected page is loaded, creating a persistent threat vector that can affect multiple users over extended periods.
Organizations utilizing JetBrains YouTrack versions prior to 2024.3.47707 face significant operational risks from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that successful attacks can persist for extended periods without requiring repeated exploitation attempts, making it particularly dangerous for environments with high user turnover or continuous access patterns. Security teams should consider this vulnerability as a critical threat that could enable attackers to establish persistent access to project management data, user credentials, and potentially sensitive business information. The impact on business operations extends beyond immediate security concerns to include potential compliance violations, data loss, and reputational damage from successful exploitation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including patching to the latest version of YouTrack, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting thorough security assessments of the application's user input handling mechanisms. Additionally, security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in agile board data modifications that might indicate malicious activity. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices in web applications, particularly in environments where users have elevated privileges and access to sensitive data through rich web interfaces.
The remediation approach for CVE-2024-50578 requires immediate deployment of JetBrains YouTrack version 2024.3.47707 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and output encoding fixes for the sprint value handling functionality. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including regular security scanning of application code for similar input validation vulnerabilities, enhanced monitoring of user activity on agile board pages, and comprehensive user access controls to limit who can modify sprint values. Security teams should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify other potential XSS vulnerabilities in the application's codebase, particularly in areas where user input is processed and displayed. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that all user-supplied content in sprint value fields is properly escaped and validated before being stored in the database. This remediation aligns with industry best practices for preventing XSS attacks as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing content security policies to add an additional layer of protection against script execution, and establish procedures for regular patch management and security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation mechanisms in enterprise web applications. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and the importance of proper data sanitization should be part of ongoing security awareness programs to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future releases.