CVE-2026-57923: JetBrains YouTrack Authorization Bypass in App Configurations

Technical summary

CVE-2026-57923 stems from improper authorization controls (CWE-862) in YouTrack's app configurations endpoint. The vulnerability allows authenticated users with limited privileges to modify project settings by submitting requests that bypass role-based access control checks. The flaw affects the endpoint responsible for managing application configurations, where the server fails to validate whether the requesting user has sufficient permissions before allowing modifications. This is a classic broken access control issue where authentication is present but authorization is insufficient.

Business impact

Project configuration changes could expose sensitive project metadata, alter workflow rules, modify notification settings, or adjust visibility controls. If an attacker gains access to a YouTrack instance—either through compromised credentials or insider threat—they could disrupt project operations, create configuration chaos across teams, or modify settings to enable further lateral movement. Organizations relying on YouTrack's role-based access controls for compliance or data governance may face control breakdowns.

Affected systems

JetBrains YouTrack installations prior to version 2026.2.16593 are affected. The vulnerability requires an authenticated user account, so unpatched instances exposed to the internet or multi-tenant environments face elevated risk. Self-hosted YouTrack deployments are directly exposed; cloud-hosted instances depend on JetBrains' patch deployment timeline.

Exploitability

Exploitation requires valid authentication credentials and intentional manipulation of the app configurations endpoint. The CVSS vector (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N) reflects network accessibility but elevated complexity and mandatory low-privilege authentication. This is not a zero-click or zero-auth vulnerability. An attacker must possess or obtain a valid YouTrack account. The high complexity factor suggests specific conditions or request parameters are required, but with valid credentials and knowledge of the vulnerable endpoint, modification of project settings is achievable.

Remediation

Upgrade JetBrains YouTrack to version 2026.2.16593 or later. Verify the patched version against the JetBrains security advisory. In parallel, audit recent project configuration changes in unpatched instances to detect suspicious modifications. Limit YouTrack access to trusted networks and enforce strong authentication policies to reduce credential compromise risk.

Patch guidance

JetBrains has released version 2026.2.16593 to address this authorization bypass. Organizations should prioritize patching based on their YouTrack deployment model: self-hosted instances can be updated immediately; cloud instances should verify patch status with JetBrains or check their instance dashboard. Test patching in a staging environment first, as YouTrack updates may affect integrations or custom workflows. After patching, verify that authorization controls are functioning as expected by testing role-based access restrictions.

Detection guidance

Monitor YouTrack API access logs for requests to `/app/configurations` or similar endpoints originating from unexpected user accounts or IP addresses. Alert on configuration change events from users with read-only or limited roles. Review audit trails for projects where settings were modified by accounts without documented permission to do so. Log correlation across YouTrack and upstream authentication systems can reveal credential compromise attempts.

Why prioritize this

This vulnerability scores MEDIUM (5.3) due to network exposure combined with an authorization flaw that affects integrity. While it requires valid credentials, the impact on project integrity and potential for lateral privilege escalation warrants timely patching. Organizations with strict access controls and limited YouTrack user bases may deprioritize slightly, but multi-user or externally-accessible instances should patch promptly. The vulnerability is not yet in the CISA KEV catalog, but that does not indicate lower risk—only that active exploitation has not been widely reported.

Risk score, explained

The CVSS 3.1 score of 5.3 reflects: network-based attack vector (AV:N), high attack complexity (AC:H), requirement for low-privilege authenticated user (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), no confidentiality impact (C:N), high integrity impact (I:H), and no availability impact (A:N). The elevated complexity and authentication requirement prevent a higher score; the integrity impact (ability to modify project settings) prevents a lower score. This is a privilege escalation or lateral movement vector for authenticated attackers.

Frequently asked questions