CVE-2021-39115 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2021-39115 was published on August 30, 2021, by Atlassian. It affects versions of Atlassian Jira Service Management Server and Data Center, allowing remote attackers with 'Jira Administrators' access to execute code via a Server-Side Template Injection vulnerability in the Email Template feature.

Understanding CVE-2021-39115

This CVE relates to a security vulnerability in Atlassian Jira Service Management Server and Data Center, potentially leading to code execution by attackers with admin access.

What is CVE-2021-39115?

Published Date: August 30, 2021
Vendor: Atlassian
Affected Versions: Before 4.13.9, between 4.14.0 and 4.18.0
Vulnerability Type: Server-Side Template Injection

The Impact of CVE-2021-39115

The vulnerability allows remote attackers with 'Jira Administrators' access to run arbitrary Java code or system commands, leading to potential security breaches and data compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39115

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of directives in statically saved code, known as 'Static Code Injection' (CWE-96), enabling attackers to exploit the Email Template feature.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Products: Jira Service Desk Server, Jira Service Desk Data Center
Vulnerable Versions: Before 4.13.9, between 4.14.0 and 4.18.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with 'Jira Administrators' access can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious code through the Email Template feature, potentially executing unauthorized commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

Following the discovery of CVE-2021-39115, it's crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate risks and prevent security incidents.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Atlassian Jira Service Management Server and Data Center instances to versions 4.13.9 or above.
Monitor and restrict 'Jira Administrators' access to prevent unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations to address vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security training for users with elevated access levels to enhance awareness and prevent misuse.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Atlassian for Jira products.
Implement a robust patch management process to apply updates promptly and mitigate future risks.