Overview
The CVE-2024-21674 is a critical vulnerability that affects the Confluence Data Center and Server from version 7.13.0. This vulnerability allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially compromising the system or leaking data. The severity of this threat underscores the importance of immediate action to mitigate its effects.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2024-21674
Severity: High, CVSS Score of 7.5
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise or data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Confluence Data Center | 7.13.0 to 7.19.17, 8.5.0 to 8.5.4, 8.7.0 to 8.7.1
Confluence Server | 7.13.0 to 7.19.17, 8.5.0 to 8.5.4, 8.7.0 to 8.7.1
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability is caused by a flaw in the system’s input validation procedures, which allows an unauthenticated attacker to inject malicious code. The system then executes the code, potentially leading to system compromise or data leakage.
Conceptual Example Code
Below is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited.
POST /vulnerable/endpoint HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Content-Type: application/json
{ "malicious_payload": "<INSERT MALICIOUS CODE HERE>" }
In this example, the attacker sends a POST request with a malicious payload to a vulnerable endpoint. The system, failing to validate the input properly, executes the code, leading to remote code execution.
Recommendations for Mitigation
Atlassian has recommended upgrading to the latest version of Confluence Data Center and Server, or at least to one of the specified fixed versions. If upgrading is not immediately possible, a WAF/IDS can be applied as a temporary mitigation. Please refer to the release notes and download the latest version from the official Atlassian website. Always ensure to follow best cybersecurity practices, including regular system updates and patches, to prevent such vulnerabilities.

