CVE-2021-43953 : Security Advisory and Response

Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center versions before 8.13.16 and from 8.14.0 before 8.20.5 are vulnerable to CSRF attacks allowing remote unauthorized users to manipulate settings.

Understanding CVE-2021-43953

This CVE involves a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability impacting Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center.

What is CVE-2021-43953?

Atlassian Jira Server and Data Center versions are susceptible to CSRF, enabling unauthenticated attackers to modify Thread Contention and CPU monitoring settings.

The Impact of CVE-2021-43953

Attackers can exploit a CSRF vulnerability through the /secure/admin/ViewInstrumentation.jspa endpoint
Affected versions range from before 8.13.16 to next of 8.20.5

Technical Details of CVE-2021-43953

This section delves into specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Allows unauthorized remote attackers to toggle Thread Contention and CPU monitoring settings

Affected Systems and Versions

Atlassian Jira Server: Versions before 8.13.16 and from 8.14.0 before 8.20.5
Atlassian Jira Data Center: Same version ranges as Jira Server

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploited via a CSRF vulnerability in the /secure/admin/ViewInstrumentation.jspa endpoint

Mitigation and Prevention

Best practices to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-43953.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jira Server and Data Center to versions 8.13.16 or higher
Implement CSRF protection mechanisms

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for CSRF vulnerabilities
Enforce secure coding practices to mitigate CSRF attacks
Educate users on CSRF risks and prevention methods

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Atlassian to address the vulnerability