CVE-2022-26138 : Security Advisory and Response

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Atlassian Questions For Confluence app, affecting versions 2.7.34, 2.7.35, and 3.0.2. This vulnerability could allow a remote, unauthenticated attacker to gain unauthorized access to Confluence.

Understanding CVE-2022-26138

This CVE pertains to the use of hard-coded credentials in the Atlassian Questions For Confluence app, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2022-26138?

The vulnerability in the app creates a Confluence user account with a hard-coded password, enabling attackers with knowledge of this password to log in and access sensitive information within Confluence.

The Impact of CVE-2022-26138

If exploited, this vulnerability could result in unauthorized access to Confluence content by malicious actors, posing a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the data stored within the platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-26138

This section outlines specific technical details related to the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows for the creation of a user account with hard-coded credentials, specifically the username 'disabledsystemuser' and a predefined password, facilitating unauthorized access to Confluence.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions 2.7.34, 2.7.35, and 3.0.2 of the Atlassian Questions For Confluence app are impacted by this security vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Remote, unauthenticated attackers leveraging the hard-coded credentials can exploit this vulnerability to login to Confluence and access content accessible to users in the confluence-users group.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-26138, users and administrators are advised to take immediate action and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a patched version of the Atlassian Questions For Confluence app to eliminate the hard-coded credentials.
Review and modify access controls within Confluence to limit unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security configurations within Confluence to mitigate potential risks.
Educate users on best practices for creating and managing user accounts to enhance overall security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Atlassian and promptly apply patches and updates to secure the Confluence environment.