CVE-2020-14188 : Security Advisory and Response

Atlassian's gajira-create GitHub Action before version 2.0.1 is vulnerable to remote code execution via specially crafted GitHub issues.

Understanding CVE-2020-14188

This CVE involves a template injection vulnerability in the preprocessArgs function of Atlassian's gajira-create GitHub Action.

What is CVE-2020-14188?

The vulnerability in the gajira-create GitHub Action allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on a GitHub runner by manipulating GitHub issues.

The Impact of CVE-2020-14188

The exploit could lead to unauthorized code execution in the context of a GitHub runner, potentially compromising the integrity of the CI/CD pipeline.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-14188

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the preprocessArgs function, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: gajira-create
Vendor: Atlassian
Versions Affected: < 2.0.1 (unspecified version type)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting GitHub issues with malicious payloads, triggering code execution on GitHub runners.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-14188 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade gajira-create to version 2.0.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor GitHub issues for suspicious activities that could indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation mechanisms in GitHub Actions to prevent code injection attacks.
Regularly audit and review GitHub Actions for security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Atlassian and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.