CVE-2017-16864 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

CVE-2017-16864, published on January 11, 2018, addresses a vulnerability in Atlassian Jira prior to version 7.4.2 that allows remote attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2017-16864

This CVE entry highlights a specific vulnerability in the issue search resource of Atlassian Jira that can be exploited for cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2017-16864?

The vulnerability in Atlassian Jira prior to version 7.4.2 enables remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript through the orderby parameter, leading to potential cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-16864

The vulnerability can result in remote attackers executing malicious scripts within the context of the user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-16864

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE entry.

Vulnerability Description

Before version 7.4.2 of Atlassian Jira, the issue search resource is susceptible to arbitrary HTML or JavaScript injection via the orderby parameter, facilitating cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jira
Vendor: Atlassian
Versions Affected: Prior to 7.4.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the orderby parameter to inject malicious code, exploiting the XSS vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-16864 and enhance security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Atlassian Jira to version 7.4.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Atlassian for any new vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of XSS attacks and best practices for secure coding.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Atlassian promptly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.