CVE-2019-14998 : Security Advisory and Response

In Jira versions prior to 8.4.0, a vulnerability exists where the Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) protection can be bypassed by attackers using a technique called 'cookie tossing'.

Understanding CVE-2019-14998

In this CVE, the Webwork action CSRF protection in Jira before version 8.4.0 is susceptible to exploitation through 'cookie tossing'.

What is CVE-2019-14998?

The vulnerability in Jira versions earlier than 8.4.0 allows remote attackers to bypass CSRF protection by manipulating a CSRF cookie from a Jira instance's subdomain.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14998

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users, potentially leading to sensitive data exposure or unauthorized modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14998

Vulnerability Description

The implementation of Webwork's CSRF protection in Jira versions prior to 8.4.0 can be circumvented using the 'cookie tossing' technique, enabling attackers to bypass security controls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jira
Vendor: Atlassian
Versions Affected: < 8.4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating a CSRF cookie obtained from a Jira instance's subdomain, allowing them to bypass CSRF protection.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jira to version 8.4.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive areas of Jira to prevent unauthorized actions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations in Jira to address potential vulnerabilities.
Educate users on best practices for securely interacting with Jira to prevent exploitation of vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Atlassian to ensure that known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2019-14998, are addressed.