CVE-2021-37549
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows insufficient sandboxing in JetBrains YouTrack workflows, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code or bypass security restrictions. It affects all YouTrack instances before version 2021.1.11111.
💻 Affected Systems
- JetBrains YouTrack
📦 What is this software?
Youtrack by Jetbrains
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data theft, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation allowing attackers to modify workflows, access sensitive data, or disrupt service operations.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper network segmentation and access controls prevent external exploitation.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation likely requires some level of access to YouTrack workflows.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 2021.1.11111 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://blog.jetbrains.com/blog/2021/08/05/jetbrains-security-bulletin-q2-2021/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your YouTrack instance. 2. Download and install YouTrack 2021.1.11111 or later from JetBrains. 3. Restart the YouTrack service. 4. Verify the update completed successfully.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable workflow functionality
allTemporarily disable YouTrack workflow features to prevent exploitation.
Network isolation
allRestrict network access to YouTrack to trusted IP addresses only.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit who can create or modify workflows.
- Monitor YouTrack logs for unusual workflow activity or unauthorized access attempts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check YouTrack version in administration panel or via API. If version is below 2021.1.11111, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check YouTrack web interface at /admin/about or use YouTrack REST API.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm YouTrack version is 2021.1.11111 or higher in administration panel.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual workflow modifications
- Unexpected system commands in workflow logs
- Authentication attempts from unknown sources
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from YouTrack server
- Traffic patterns indicating data exfiltration
SIEM Query:
source="youtrack" AND (event="workflow_modified" OR event="system_command")