CVE-2021-26073 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-26073 affecting Atlassian Connect Express versions 3.0.2 to 6.6.0. Discover impact, technical details, and mitigation steps to secure your systems.
Atlassian Connect Express (ACE) versions 3.0.2 to 6.6.0 are affected by a Broken Authentication vulnerability. This CVE was made public on April 13, 2021, allowing attackers to send authenticated re-installation events to an app.
Understanding CVE-2021-26073
What is CVE-2021-26073?
CVE-2021-26073 is a security vulnerability found in Atlassian Connect Express (ACE), a Node.js package used for building Atlassian Connect apps. The flaw allows unauthorized access during authentication, potentially leading to various malicious activities.
The Impact of CVE-2021-26073
The vulnerability in Atlassian Connect Express versions 3.0.2 to 6.6.0 enables attackers to send authenticated re-installation events to an app, compromising its security and integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-26073
Vulnerability Description
Broken Authentication in ACE versions 3.0.2 to 6.6.0 leads to the improper acceptance of context JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) in lifecycle endpoints, allowing attackers to manipulate app installation events.
Affected Systems and Versions
Atlassian Connect Express versions from 3.0.2 to 6.6.0 are impacted by this vulnerability, where context JWTs are erroneously accepted in critical endpoints.
Exploitation Mechanism
The flaw permits threat actors to exploit the authentication process between Atlassian products and ACE, sending falsified re-installation events to compromise the app's security.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-26073, users are advised to update Atlassian Connect Express to a version beyond 6.6.0. Implementing proper JWT verification mechanisms can also enhance security.
Long-Term Security Practices
Long-term security practices should include regular security audits, monitoring for unusual installation events, and educating developers on secure coding practices.
Patching and Updates
Atlassian has released patches to address this vulnerability. Users are strongly recommended to apply the latest updates and patches provided by Atlassian to safeguard their systems against potential exploitation.