CVE-2017-1000114 in Jenkin
Summary
by MITRE
The Datadog Plugin stores an API key to access the Datadog service in the global Jenkins configuration. While the API key is stored encrypted on disk, it was transmitted in plain text as part of the configuration form. This could result in exposure of the API key for example through browser extensions or cross-site scripting vulnerabilities. The Datadog Plugin now encrypts the API key transmitted to administrators viewing the global configuration form.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2021
The Datadog Plugin for Jenkins presents a significant security vulnerability that demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential handling in continuous integration environments. This vulnerability specifically affects the plugin's configuration management process where the Datadog API key is stored in Jenkins' global configuration settings. The flaw manifests in a classic security misconfiguration where sensitive data is properly encrypted at rest but remains exposed during transmission phases, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to intercept credentials.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the plugin's handling of the API key within the Jenkins web interface. When administrators access the global configuration form to manage Datadog integration settings, the API key is transmitted in plain text rather than being encrypted during the HTTP communication process. This transmission occurs over potentially unsecured channels and can be intercepted by malicious actors through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle attacks, browser-based malicious extensions, or exploitation of cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that may exist within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials in transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of Jenkins environments that rely on Datadog monitoring services. Organizations using this plugin face potential unauthorized access to their monitoring infrastructure, which could lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or manipulation of monitoring alerts. The exposure of Datadog API keys specifically allows attackers to potentially modify monitoring configurations, access sensitive metrics and logs, or even disable monitoring capabilities entirely. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through various means including browser-based attacks and network interception methods.
The mitigation strategy implemented by the Datadog Plugin developers addresses the root cause by ensuring that API keys are encrypted during transmission to administrators viewing the global configuration form. This fix aligns with industry best practices for secure credential management and demonstrates proper application of the principle of least privilege in configuration management. The solution effectively closes the gap between secure storage at rest and secure transmission in transit, preventing the exposure of sensitive credentials during administrative operations. Organizations should ensure they have updated to the patched version of the plugin and conduct regular security assessments of their Jenkins configurations to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other plugins or system components. The vulnerability serves as a reminder that security controls must be comprehensive and address all phases of data handling including transmission, storage, and access management.