CVE-2019-8443 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2019-8443 was published on May 8, 2019, and affects Atlassian's Jira software. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to access administrative resources without re-authentication.

Understanding CVE-2019-8443

This CVE identifies an improper access control vulnerability in Jira versions prior to 7.13.4, between 8.0.0 and 8.0.4, and between 8.1.0 and 8.1.1.

What is CVE-2019-8443?

The vulnerability in the ViewUpgrades resource of Jira enables attackers with administrator session access to bypass re-authentication and access administrative resources, potentially compromising the system's security.

The Impact of CVE-2019-8443

The vulnerability allows unauthorized access to administrative functions, posing a risk of data breaches, unauthorized modifications, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-8443

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The ViewUpgrades resource in Jira versions mentioned is susceptible to an improper access control issue, enabling attackers to exploit the administrator's session for unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Jira versions prior to 7.13.4
Jira versions between 8.0.0 and 8.0.4
Jira versions between 8.1.0 and 8.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers who have gained access to an administrator's session can exploit this vulnerability to access administrative resources without the need for re-authentication, bypassing security controls.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-8443, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jira to a patched version immediately.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.
Restrict access to critical administrative functions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication for enhanced security.
Regularly audit and review access controls and permissions.
Stay informed about security updates and best practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Atlassian promptly.
Keep Jira software up to date to mitigate known vulnerabilities.