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CriticalCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

Broken Access Control in Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server

IdentifiersCVE-2023-22515CWE-284

CVE-2023-22515 is a critical broken access control vulnerability in on-premises Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server. It affects publicly accessible Confluence instances in the 8.0.0 through 8.5.1 range; versions prior to 8.0.0 and Atlassian Cloud are not affected. Available reporting indicates the flaw is unauthenticated and remotely exploitable. Exploitation has been described as involving manipulation of Confluence setup state via exposed endpoints, including requests to /server-info.action that can cause the application to treat setup as incomplete, followed by abuse of /setup/setupadministrator.action to create a new unauthorized Confluence administrator account. Multiple sources also note that the underlying issue may permit modification of other critical configuration settings, and some reporting states attackers have used the resulting administrative access to upload malicious plugins for follow-on arbitrary code execution. Atlassian disclosed the issue on 2023-10-04 after customer reports and later stated that a known nation-state actor had actively exploited it as a zero-day.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows an external unauthenticated attacker to create unauthorized Confluence administrator accounts and obtain full administrative access to the affected Confluence instance. With that level of access, an attacker can take over the Confluence environment, access and exfiltrate content and credentials, alter configuration, create persistence, and potentially install malicious plugins. Supporting reporting and government advisories indicate the vulnerability has been used for initial access and that post-compromise activity included data exfiltration using tools such as cURL and Rclone. Some sources further state that attackers can leverage the created admin account to upload a malicious plugin and achieve arbitrary code execution on the server.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate patching is not possible, temporarily restrict untrusted network access to the Confluence instance, especially from the public internet. Atlassian-provided interim mitigation includes blocking access to /setup/* endpoints, for example by adding a security-constraint in <confluence-install-dir>/confluence/WEB-INF/web.xml and restarting Confluence, or enforcing equivalent blocking at the network or reverse-proxy layer. Monitoring should be enabled for requests to /setup/*.action and suspicious access to /server-info.action. These measures are only temporary risk reductions and are not a substitute for upgrading to a fixed version.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade affected Confluence Data Center and Server instances to a fixed release immediately. The content identifies fixed versions as 8.3.3 or later, 8.4.3 or later, or 8.5.2 LTS or later, depending on the supported branch. Restrict or remove public internet exposure until patching is complete. Because this vulnerability has been actively exploited, organizations should also review for indicators of compromise, including unexpected additions to the confluence-administrators group, unexpected new user accounts, unknown plugins, requests to /setup/*.action, and evidence of /setup/setupadministrator.action in atlassian-confluence-security.log. If compromise is suspected, treat the instance as fully administratively compromised, follow incident response procedures, rotate credentials, investigate for persistence, and rebuild or reimage affected systems as appropriate rather than relying solely on patching and account cleanup.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

10 valid exploits after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (9 hidden).

VALID 10 / 19 TOTALView more in app
abyss-c2MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository is a multi-module Python offensive framework centered on exploiting HiSilicon DVR/NVR/IP camera devices via CVE-2020-25078, then managing compromised hosts through a Flask/SocketIO web panel. It is not a simple single-file PoC: it includes a control server (server.py), persistence and post-exploitation tooling, credential attacks, recon modules, web vulnerability scanners, network service checks, pivoting, reverse shell support, and a SQLite-backed datastore. Core exploit logic is in exploit.py and scanner.py. exploit.py probes numerous traversal/disclosure paths such as /../../.../mnt/mtd/Config/Account1 and related config/system files, parses returned content with multiple regex patterns to recover credentials, fingerprints device families, and falls back to known default credentials when disclosure succeeds but parsing does not. scanner.py operationalizes this by scanning IPs/CIDRs and common ports, checking liveness, fingerprinting likely cameras, invoking the CVE-2020-25078 checks, and storing recovered credentials in cameras.db. Post-exploitation capability is substantial. telnet_client.py provides raw Telnet login and command execution. botnet.py fans out commands across stored hosts. persistence.py installs SSH authorized_keys, cron, rc.local, init.d, systemd, inittab telnetd, and bind-shell style persistence. reverse_shell.py generates many Linux/IoT reverse shell one-liners and runs listeners. pivot_chain.py and socks_pivot.py support chained execution and local SOCKS5 pivoting through compromised hosts. Additional modules broaden scope beyond the HiSilicon exploit: brute.py and cred_spray.py perform credential attacks across Telnet, SSH, FTP, HTTP, SMB, databases, VNC, LDAP, WinRM, and more; network_exploit.py checks for exposed/misconfigured services and some well-known vulnerabilities such as MS17-010 and BlueKeep; web_exploit.py, web_cves.py, web_bugs.py, and web_brute.py scan websites for exposed files, CMS fingerprints, generic bug classes, and multiple CVE signatures. Recon/intel support includes ASN, DNS, GeoIP, JARM, WAF detection, proxy/Tor rotation, screenshot grabbing from camera snapshot endpoints, and Telegram/Discord/AbuseIPDB integrations. The repository structure is coherent and functional, with many CLI-capable modules and a central web UI in templates/index.html. Overall, this is an operational exploit-and-post-exploitation toolkit focused on HiSilicon IoT devices but expanded into a broader C2-style offensive platform.

flags-altDisclosed May 20, 2026pythonhtmlnetworkweblocal
CVE-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a Python exploit script (CVE-2023-22515.py) targeting Atlassian Confluence instances vulnerable to CVE-2023-22515 (versions 8.0.0 to 8.5.1). The script first checks if the target is vulnerable by sending a GET request to the /server-info.action endpoint with a specific query parameter. If the target is vulnerable, it proceeds to create a new administrator user with randomly generated credentials by sending POST requests to /setup/setupadministrator.action and /setup/finishsetup.action. The exploit provides the attacker with administrative access to the Confluence instance. The repository also includes a README.md file with usage instructions and affected versions. No hardcoded IPs or domains are present; the script requires the user to supply the target URL as an argument.

K4ptorDisclosed Oct 12, 2023pythonnetwork
CVE-2023-22515-Exploit-ScriptMaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository provides an automated Python exploit for CVE-2023-22515, a critical privilege escalation vulnerability in Atlassian Confluence. The exploit script (exploit.py) is the main file and supports both single-target and mass exploitation modes. It works by first triggering the setup vulnerability via a crafted GET request, then sending a POST request to create a new admin account (username: adminxxyz, password: Admin@12345), and finally verifying successful authentication as the new admin. The script is multi-threaded for mass exploitation and outputs results to the console or a file. The README.md provides usage instructions and describes the exploit's features. The exploit targets Confluence instances accessible over HTTP(S) and affected by CVE-2023-22515. No hardcoded IPs or domains are present; the script takes user-supplied targets. The endpoints used are specific to Confluence's setup and REST API. The exploit is operational, providing a working privilege escalation payload.

vivigotnotimeDisclosed Feb 24, 2025pythonnetwork
CVE-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a Python exploit script (exploit.py) targeting CVE-2023-22515, a critical broken access control vulnerability in Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center. The exploit works by first triggering a misconfigured setup endpoint, then submitting a POST request to create a new administrator account ('pleasepatch'/'Password2'), and finally verifying authentication as the new admin via the REST API. The script supports both single-target and mass exploitation modes, reading targets from a file if needed. Output is saved to a user-specified file. The code uses the 'requests', 'fire', 'rich', and 'alive-progress' libraries for HTTP requests, CLI, output formatting, and progress display, respectively. The repository includes a README.md with detailed usage instructions and a requirements.txt for dependencies. The main attack vector is network-based, exploiting HTTP(S) endpoints on vulnerable Confluence instances. The endpoints used are fingerprintable and relate to the setup and user management APIs of Confluence.

ChocapikkDisclosed Oct 10, 2023pythonnetwork
Confluence-EvilJarMaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository is a Java-based exploit package designed to be uploaded as a malicious plugin to Atlassian Confluence servers, specifically to exploit CVE-2023-22515. The structure includes a Maven project with three main Java servlet classes: - CommandExecutor.java: Implements a classic webshell accessible at /plugins/servlet/testbin/cmServlet, allowing remote command execution via HTTP POST. - bxExecutor.java: Implements a memory shell loader accessible at /plugins/servlet/testbin/bxServlet, which loads and executes AES-encrypted payloads in memory, requiring a specific Referer header for access. - gzExecutor.java: Implements a Godzilla-compatible memory shell at /plugins/servlet/testbin/gzServlet, also requiring a specific Referer header and password (p@ssw0rd) for access, supporting encrypted payloads for stealthy persistence. The atlassian-plugin.xml file registers these servlets and their endpoints. The README provides usage instructions and highlights the endpoints. The exploit enables an attacker to gain persistent, stealthy remote code execution on a vulnerable Confluence server by uploading this plugin, then interacting with the exposed endpoints to execute commands or load further payloads. No hardcoded IPs or external C2s are present, but the endpoints are fingerprintable and can be used for detection.

aaaademoDisclosed Nov 9, 2023javaxmlnetwork
CVE-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository provides an operational exploit for CVE-2023-22515, a critical privilege escalation vulnerability in Atlassian Confluence Server and Data Center (versions 8.0.0 through 8.5.1). The exploit consists of a Python script ('exploit.py') that automates the process of exploiting the vulnerability by first triggering a setup state in the target Confluence instance, then sending a crafted POST request to create a new administrator account with known credentials ('hacked'/'hacked'). The script then verifies the success of the exploit by attempting to authenticate as the new admin user. The repository also includes a Nuclei YAML template ('CVE-2023-22515.yaml') for automated vulnerability scanning, a README with usage instructions, and a requirements.txt for dependencies. The main attack vector is network-based, targeting HTTP endpoints exposed by vulnerable Confluence instances. No hardcoded IPs or domains are present; the exploit is designed to be used against user-supplied targets. The overall structure is clear and focused on privilege escalation via unauthorized admin account creation.

kh4sh3iDisclosed Oct 11, 2023pythonyamlnetwork
CVE-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository is a Go-based exploit tool targeting Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server instances vulnerable to CVE-2023-22515. The exploit automates the process of creating a new administrator user on affected Confluence instances by sending a sequence of crafted HTTP requests to specific endpoints. The tool allows the attacker to specify the target URL, username, password, and proxy settings via command-line arguments. If no username or password is provided, the tool generates random credentials. The main logic is contained in 'main.go', which checks if the target is vulnerable, creates a new admin user, and finalizes the setup. The README provides usage instructions, affected version ranges, and example commands. No hardcoded IPs or domains are present; the tool is designed to be used against attacker-supplied targets. The exploit is operational, providing a working method to gain admin access to vulnerable Confluence instances.

ad-calciumDisclosed Oct 11, 2023gonetwork
CVE-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository contains a Python exploit script (CVE-2023-22515.py) and a README.md. The exploit targets Atlassian Confluence Data Center and Server instances vulnerable to CVE-2023-22515, a privilege escalation vulnerability. The script works by sending a sequence of HTTP requests to the Confluence setup endpoints, allowing an attacker to create a new administrator account with arbitrary credentials. The attacker must supply the target URL, desired username, and password as command-line arguments. The script checks the setup state, submits the new admin account details, and finalizes the setup if possible. The README provides usage instructions and a disclaimer. No hardcoded endpoints or IPs are present; all endpoints are relative to the user-supplied base URL. The exploit is operational and demonstrates a real privilege escalation attack against vulnerable Confluence instances.

Le1aDisclosed Oct 13, 2023pythonnetwork
confluence-cve-2023-22515MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository provides a proof-of-concept exploit for Atlassian Confluence CVE-2023-22515 (Broken Access Control). The repository contains two files: a README.md describing the exploit and a 'payload' file outlining the attack steps. The exploit works by first sending a GET request to a specific endpoint to bypass the setup status, then sending a POST request to create a new administrator user, and optionally finalizing the setup. The payload is not implemented as code but as a sequence of HTTP requests, making this a manual or instructional POC rather than an automated exploit script. The main targets are Confluence servers vulnerable to CVE-2023-22515, and the endpoints involved are clearly specified in the payload file.

VulnmachinesDisclosed Oct 13, 2023httpnetwork
confluence-hackMaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository targets Atlassian Confluence Server (tested on version 8.5.1) and exploits CVE-2023-22515, an unauthenticated vulnerability that allows the creation of a new admin user. The main exploit script (exploit.py) is written in Python and automates the process of checking credentials, verifying the vulnerability state, and creating a new admin user by sending crafted HTTP requests to specific Confluence endpoints. The repository also includes a decompiled Java servlet (ShellServlet.java) from a plugin (plugin_shellplug.jar) that, if installed on the target, provides a web-based shell for arbitrary command execution. The exploit is operational, providing both privilege escalation (admin user creation) and, optionally, remote command execution via the webshell. The repository is structured with a clear README, the main exploit script, and the decompiled webshell source code.

AIex-3Disclosed Oct 30, 2023pythonjavanetwork
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
AtlassianConfluence Data Centerapplication
AtlassianConfluence Serverapplication

Vendor-confirmed product mapping. Mallory continuously reconciles this list against your asset inventory.

What this page doesn’t show

The version that knows your environment.

This page is what’s public. Mallory adds the parts that aren’t: which of your assets are affected, which adversaries are exploiting it right now, which detections to deploy, and what to do tonight.
Exposure mapping

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Threat actor evidence6

Every observed campaign linking this CVE to a named adversary.

Associated malware6

Malware families riding this exploit, with evidence and IOCs.

Detection signatures3

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

Cross-references every affected SKU, including bundled OEM variants.

Social activity1

Community discussion across Reddit, Mastodon, and other social sources.