CVE-2017-18084 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2017-18084 affecting Atlassian Confluence Server prior to 6.3.4. Understand the XSS vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
Atlassian Confluence Server prior to version 6.3.4 is affected by a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows remote attackers to inject malicious HTML or JavaScript code.
Understanding CVE-2017-18084
This CVE identifies a security issue in Atlassian Confluence Server that could be exploited by attackers to execute XSS attacks.
What is CVE-2017-18084?
The vulnerability in the usermacros resource of Atlassian Confluence Server before version 6.3.4 enables remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code through the description of a macro.
The Impact of CVE-2017-18084
The XSS vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized code execution and potential data theft on affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-18084
Atlassian Confluence Server is susceptible to XSS attacks due to inadequate input validation.
Vulnerability Description
The usermacros resource in Atlassian Confluence Server allows attackers to inject malicious code via a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Confluence
- Vendor: Atlassian
- Versions Affected: Prior to 6.3.4
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by inserting malicious HTML or JavaScript code into the description of a macro, leading to potential code execution on the server.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2017-18084, users and administrators should take immediate action to secure their systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Atlassian Confluence Server to version 6.3.4 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 on safe coding practices and the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches and updates provided by Atlassian promptly to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.