CVE-2018-16281
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2018-16281 is an incorrect access control vulnerability in the DEISER Profields app for Jira that allows unauthorized users to access or modify project custom fields. This affects Jira instances running Profields versions before 6.0.2. Attackers could exploit this to manipulate project data or escalate privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- DEISER Profields - Project Custom Fields for Jira
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of Jira instance through privilege escalation, data manipulation, or unauthorized access to sensitive project information.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to project custom fields leading to data exposure or manipulation of project configurations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls, but still potential for data exposure.
🎯 Exploit Status
Access control bypass vulnerabilities typically require some level of access but can be exploited with minimal technical skill.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.0.2
Vendor Advisory: https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1210816/profields-project-custom-fields/version-history
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into Jira as administrator. 2. Navigate to Manage apps/Add-ons. 3. Check for updates to Profields app. 4. Update to version 6.0.2 or later. 5. Restart Jira service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Profields app
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable Profields app until patching is possible
Navigate to Jira admin panel > Manage apps > Disable Profields app
Restrict network access
allLimit access to Jira instance to trusted networks only
Configure firewall rules to restrict Jira access to authorized IP ranges
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls and monitor for unauthorized access attempts
- Disable or remove the Profields app entirely if not essential
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Profields app version in Jira admin panel under Manage apps/Add-onsCheck Version:
Navigate to Jira admin > Manage apps > Find Profields app and check versionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Profields app version is 6.0.2 or higher after update📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual access patterns to custom fields
- Unauthorized modification of project configurations
- Access attempts from unexpected user accounts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual API calls to custom field endpoints
- Suspicious traffic patterns to Jira instance
SIEM Query:
source="jira.log" AND ("custom field" OR "profields") AND (access OR modify OR unauthorized)