External risk intelligence

Atlassian Confluence Server-Side Template Injection and Code Execution Risk.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-3396

A vulnerability in Atlassian Confluence Server's Widget Connector macro allows remote attackers to execute code. This could lead to data compromise and operational disruption for affected organizations. The risk is significant due to the ease of exploitation and potential for unauthorized access.

4Halo Surface Signal

Path Traversal

Atlassian Confluence Server

before 6.6.126.7.0 to before 6.12.36.13.0 to before 6.13.36.14.0 to before 6.14.2

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-3396

Atlassian Confluence is widely deployed as an enterprise web application, often exposed to the internet to support remote collaboration and external user access. As a server-side web application platform, it functions as an externally reachable service, making its web interface a common point of exposure for network-based attacks.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The Widget Connector macro in Atlassian Confluence Server is vulnerable to server-side template injection. This flaw allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server. The potential impact includes unauthorized access to sensitive data and disruption of business operations.

  • Atlassian Confluence Server
  • Path traversal and remote code execution
  • Data compromise and operational disruption

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

The Widget Connector macro in Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center is vulnerable to server-side template injection. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code on a Confluence instance. The attack exploits a path traversal vulnerability within the macro to gain unauthorized access and control.

  • Exposure through the Widget Connector macro.
  • Attacker initiates code execution remotely.
  • Attacker achieves path traversal and RCE.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute remote code on affected systems. The exploit requires no authentication and low complexity, meaning attackers with basic technical skills could potentially exploit it. Organizations with unpatched Confluence instances face significant risk due to active exploitation in the wild.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code on a Confluence Server or Data Center instance through server-side template injection. The potential impact includes path traversal and remote code execution, posing a significant business risk to affected organizations. Given the severity, prompt action is essential to protect systems and data.

  • Identify exposed Confluence assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What are the affected versions of Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center for CVE-2019-3396?

Affected versions of Atlassian Confluence Server include versions before 6.6.12 (for the 6.6.x branch), versions from 6.7.0 before 6.12.3 (for the 6.12.x branch), versions from 6.13.0 before 6.13.3 (for the 6.13.x branch), and versions from 6.14.0 before 6.14.2 (for the 6.14.x branch).

What is the weakness class for CVE-2019-3396 and how does it enable exploitation?

The primary weakness class for CVE-2019-3396 is CWE-22, which represents Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory (Path Traversal). This weakness allows remote attackers to achieve path traversal and subsequently execute code on a Confluence Server or Data Center instance.

How can an attacker trigger CVE-2019-3396 and what is the scope of impact?

Attackers can trigger CVE-2019-3396 via the Widget Connector macro in Atlassian Confluence Server. The vulnerability allows for server-side template injection, enabling path traversal and remote code execution on the affected Confluence instance, potentially compromising the entire server.

What is the relevance of Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center in the context of CVE-2019-3396, considering its threat advisory?

Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center are widely deployed enterprise web applications, often internet-exposed for remote collaboration. This exposure makes their web interface a common attack vector. The Widget Connector macro vulnerability (CVE-2019-3396) allows remote attackers to execute code, posing a significant risk due to its potential for widespread compromise of sensitive data and operational disruption.

What practical steps should organizations take to address the CVE-2019-3396 vulnerability?

Organizations should promptly identify all exposed Confluence assets, isolate any at-risk instances to reduce the attack surface, and apply the necessary vendor-provided security updates to fix the vulnerability. Verification of the fix and continuous monitoring are also essential to ensure ongoing protection.

References

Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI)

Sources: malpedia