CVE-2014-2059 in Jenkins
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in the CLI job creation (hudson/cli/CreateJobCommand.java) in CloudBees Jenkins before 1.551 and LTS before 1.532.2 allows remote authenticated users to overwrite arbitrary files via the job name.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-2059 represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the CloudBees Jenkins continuous integration platform that affects versions prior to 1.551 and LTS prior to 1.532.2. This security weakness resides in the command line interface job creation functionality, specifically within the hudson/cli/CreateJobCommand.java component, where inadequate input validation permits malicious actors to exploit the system through crafted job names that can traverse directory structures. The vulnerability operates by allowing authenticated users to manipulate the job naming parameter in such a way that the system processes file paths outside of the intended job creation directories, potentially leading to arbitrary file overwrites.
The technical implementation of this directory traversal vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-provided job names when the CLI CreateJobCommand processes requests. When Jenkins receives a job creation request through the command line interface, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the job name parameter against directory traversal sequences such as "../" or similar path manipulation techniques. This validation gap enables an authenticated attacker to craft job names that contain directory traversal sequences, which then get processed by the underlying file system operations without proper restrictions. The flaw is categorized under CWE-22, which specifically addresses "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')", and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to severe privilege escalation and data integrity compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file overwrites to potentially enable complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. An authenticated attacker with access to the Jenkins CLI can leverage this vulnerability to overwrite critical system files, configuration data, or even execute malicious code by targeting specific system locations. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where Jenkins serves as a central automation platform for build processes, deployments, and CI/CD pipelines. Attackers could potentially overwrite configuration files that control access permissions, modify build scripts to inject malicious code, or target log files to hide their activities. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to manipulate system files through legitimate administrative interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-2059 require immediate patching of affected Jenkins installations to versions 1.551 or LTS 1.532.2 and later, which contain the necessary input validation fixes. Organizations should also implement additional defensive measures including restricting CLI access to trusted users only, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitoring for unusual job creation patterns or attempts to create jobs with potentially malicious naming conventions. Security configurations should enforce strict input validation at all levels of the application stack, including the CLI interface, and administrators should regularly audit job creation permissions and access logs to detect anomalous activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs, particularly in administrative interfaces, and aligns with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework, where proper input validation and access controls are fundamental requirements for maintaining system integrity and preventing privilege escalation attacks.