CVE-2023-22518
Published: November 7, 2023
Official Description
Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server contain an improper authorization vulnerability that can result in significant data loss when exploited by an unauthenticated attacker. There is no impact on confidentiality since the attacker cannot exfiltrate any data.
CISA KEV Advisory
Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server Improper Authorization Vulnerability
Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server contain an improper authorization vulnerability that can result in significant data loss when exploited by an unauthenticated attacker. There is no impact on confidentiality since the attacker cannot exfiltrate any data.
Apply mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if mitigations are unavailable.
Risk Analysis
This vulnerability in Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server allows an unauthenticated attacker to cause significant data loss due to improper authorization. While data confidentiality is not impacted, the potential for data destruction makes this a critical concern. It is a high-severity issue with a very high exploitation likelihood (EPSS 0.94375) and is actively exploited.
Active exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in the wild, and it is listed in CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog. The flaw is remotely exploitable by an unauthenticated attacker.
Apply the latest security updates for Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server to address the improper authorization vulnerability. Regularly back up Confluence data to mitigate the impact of potential data loss.
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-22518 requires local access, meaning attackers must already have a foothold on the target system.
Exploitation requires some privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.
CISA has added CVE-2023-22518 to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, confirming active exploitation in the wild. U.S. federal agencies are required to patch this within the mandated timeframe, and all organizations should treat remediation as urgent.
Affected Vendors & Products
Exploit & PoC Resources
All References (2)
Quick Facts
Recommended Actions
- →Apply vendor patches immediately
- →Monitor CVE-2023-22518 in threat intel feeds
- →Review IDS/IPS signatures for exploitation attempts
- !CISA KEV: Federal agencies must patch per BOD 22-01 timeline
- !Active exploitation confirmed — treat as P1