CVE-2026-39914 Overview
CVE-2026-39914 is an improper authorization vulnerability in TIM Flow versions before 26.0.6. The flaw exposes a privileged Excel export endpoint that accepts arbitrary Structured Query Language (SQL) queries from any authenticated user. The endpoint was intended for administrative use only, but role-based access controls are not enforced. Attackers can submit crafted SQL statements and receive the results as a downloadable spreadsheet. This bypasses the application's authorization model and enables direct exfiltration of database contents. The weakness is categorized under CWE-862: Missing Authorization.
Critical Impact
Any low-privileged authenticated user can extract arbitrary database contents, including credentials, personal data, and business records, through a single HTTP request to the dashboard export endpoint.
Affected Products
- TIM Flow versions prior to 26.0.6
- The privileged dashboard Excel export endpoint
- Deployments exposing TIM Flow to any authenticated user population
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-08-24 - CVE-2026-39914 published to the National Vulnerability Database
- 2026-08-26 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2026-39914
Vulnerability Analysis
TIM Flow exposes a dashboard export endpoint that generates Excel spreadsheets from SQL query results. The endpoint was designed for administrators building custom dashboard exports. Authorization is enforced only at the user interface layer, not at the server-side handler. Any authenticated session, regardless of role, can invoke the endpoint directly over the network. The server accepts attacker-supplied SQL text and executes it against the backend database using the application's privileged database account. Query results are serialized into an XLSX file and returned to the caller. The vulnerability is fixed in TIM Flow 26.0.6 according to the Atlassian Release Notes.
Root Cause
The root cause is missing authorization on a server-side endpoint that accepts SQL input. The application relies on client-side or navigation-level restrictions to hide the export function from non-administrators. It does not re-verify the caller's role or scope before executing the requested query. The endpoint also lacks query allow-listing, parameterization, or restriction to predefined dashboard views.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires only a valid user account and network access to the TIM Flow web interface. The attacker authenticates, then issues an HTTP request to the dashboard export endpoint with a chosen SQL statement in the request body or query parameters. The server executes the query and returns an Excel file containing the results. See the VulnCheck Advisory: TIM Flow SQL Injection for the full advisory.
Detection Methods for CVE-2026-39914
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected HTTP requests to the dashboard Excel export endpoint originating from non-administrative user accounts.
- Outbound XLSX downloads with unusually large payload sizes compared to normal dashboard exports.
- Database audit records showing ad-hoc SELECT statements executed by the TIM Flow application account outside of scheduled dashboards.
Detection Strategies
- Correlate web server access logs with user role assignments to flag export endpoint calls by non-admin accounts.
- Enable database query auditing on the TIM Flow service account and alert on queries referencing sensitive tables such as users, credentials, or tokens.
- Baseline normal export volumes per user and alert on statistical deviations.
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward TIM Flow web, application, and database logs to a centralized analytics platform for correlation.
- Monitor authenticated user sessions for enumeration patterns preceding calls to the export endpoint.
- Track file downloads of type application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.spreadsheetml.sheet for anomalous frequency.
How to Mitigate CVE-2026-39914
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade TIM Flow to version 26.0.6 or later without delay.
- Rotate database credentials and application secrets that may have been exposed through the endpoint.
- Review web and database logs for prior use of the export endpoint by non-administrative accounts.
Patch Information
The vendor addressed the vulnerability in TIM Flow 26.0.6 by enforcing server-side authorization on the dashboard export endpoint. Release information is available in the Atlassian Release Notes. Apply the update in all environments, including staging and disaster recovery instances.
Workarounds
- Restrict network access to TIM Flow so that only trusted administrative users can authenticate until the patch is applied.
- Place a reverse proxy or web application firewall rule in front of the dashboard export endpoint that blocks requests from non-administrative sessions.
- Reduce privileges on the TIM Flow database service account to the minimum tables and views required for legitimate dashboards.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
