Confluence Data Center: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
CVE-2023-22522 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements in output used by a downstream component vulnerability in Confluence Data Center from Atlassian, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected Confluence Data Center versions: >= 4.0.0; >= 7.20.0; >= 8.0.0, and others listed below. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 12.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 3.61% of all scored CVEs.
EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.
What to do
- Check which version of Confluence Data Center you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on confluence.atlassian.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlassian | Confluence Data Center | >= 4.0.0; >= 7.20.0; >= 8.0.0; >= 8.6.0 | Not stated |
| Atlassian | Confluence Server | >= 4.0.0; >= 7.20.0; >= 8.0.0; >= 8.6.0 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.0 | 9.0 | Critical | CNA (atlassian.com) |
Official description
This Template Injection vulnerability allows an authenticated attacker, including one with anonymous access, to inject unsafe user input into a Confluence page. Using this approach, an attacker is able to achieve Remote Code Execution (RCE) on an affected instance. Publicly accessible Confluence Data Center and Server versions as listed below are at risk and require immediate attention. See the advisory for additional details Atlassian Cloud sites are not affected by this vulnerability. If your Confluence site is accessed via an atlassian.net domain, it is hosted by Atlassian and is not vulnerable to this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component
The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Programming languages and supporting technologies might be chosen which are not subject to these issues.
- Utilize an appropriate mix of allowlist and denylist parsing to filter control-plane syntax from all input.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in Confluence Data Center
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.3 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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