CVE-2017-18098 : Security Advisory and Response

Atlassian Jira prior to version 7.6.1 is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through the searchrequest-xml resource.

Understanding CVE-2017-18098

What is CVE-2017-18098?

The vulnerability in Atlassian Jira allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript via various fields, leading to a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2017-18098

This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-18098

Vulnerability Description

The searchrequest-xml resource in Atlassian Jira before version 7.6.1 enables remote attackers to inject malicious code through XSS vulnerabilities in different fields.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jira
Vendor: Atlassian
Versions Affected: < 7.6.1 (unspecified/custom)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting crafted HTML or JavaScript code into specific fields, tricking users into executing the malicious code within their browsers.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jira to version 7.6.1 or later to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent script injection.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security patches for Jira to address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Atlassian promptly to ensure the system is protected against known vulnerabilities.