CVE-2018-20824 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Jira before version 7.13.1 by Atlassian is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) flaw, allowing remote attackers to inject arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code.

Understanding CVE-2018-20824

The WallboardServlet resource in Jira has a security vulnerability that can be exploited for XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2018-20824?

The vulnerability in Jira allows malicious actors to insert unauthorized HTML or JavaScript code through a cross-site scripting flaw in the cyclePeriod parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20824

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of data stored in Jira.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20824

Jira's vulnerability to cross-site scripting attacks poses a significant risk to the security of the application and its users.

Vulnerability Description

The WallboardServlet resource in Jira prior to version 7.13.1 is susceptible to remote attackers injecting malicious HTML or JavaScript code via the cyclePeriod parameter.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jira
Vendor: Atlassian
Versions Affected: < 7.13.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious code through the cyclePeriod parameter, enabling them to execute unauthorized scripts on the affected Jira instance.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate action and implementing long-term security measures are crucial to safeguard against CVE-2018-20824.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jira to version 7.13.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and filter user inputs to prevent malicious code injection.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Jira to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.

Patchhing and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Atlassian and apply patches as soon as they are released.