CVE-2017-2606 in Jenkins
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins before versions 2.44, 2.32.2 is vulnerable to an information exposure in the internal API that allows access to item names that should not be visible (SECURITY-380). This only affects anonymous users (other users legitimately have access) that were able to get a list of items via an UnprotectedRootAction.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-2606 represents a significant information exposure flaw within Jenkins continuous integration platform versions prior to 2.44 and 2.32.2. This security weakness stems from improper access controls within Jenkins internal API mechanisms, specifically affecting how the system handles authentication and authorization for different user roles. The vulnerability manifests when anonymous users can access item names through an UnprotectedRootAction, which creates an unintended information disclosure channel that should otherwise be restricted to authenticated users with appropriate permissions.
The technical implementation of this flaw resides in the Jenkins security model where certain API endpoints fail to properly validate user authentication status before exposing sensitive information. When an UnprotectedRootAction is invoked, it allows anonymous users to retrieve lists of items that contain configuration details, build artifacts, or project information that should remain hidden from unauthorized access. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation and access control enforcement within the Jenkins framework. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses Information Exposure, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, Information Gathering, as it enables adversaries to collect system information without proper authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks. Anonymous users can now enumerate project names, build configurations, and potentially identify sensitive systems or applications within the Jenkins environment. This information can be used to map the organization's CI/CD infrastructure, identify critical build processes, and plan targeted attacks against specific projects. The exposure affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad, as it allows unauthorized access to information that should remain protected within the system. Organizations using vulnerable Jenkins versions face increased risk of supply chain attacks, as attackers can discover build dependencies and potentially exploit weaknesses in the continuous integration pipeline.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-2606 require immediate implementation of the available security patches released by Jenkins developers, specifically upgrading to versions 2.44 or 2.32.2 which contain the necessary access control fixes. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including mandatory authentication for all Jenkins API endpoints, regular security audits of access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to Jenkins instances, particularly for anonymous users. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing Jenkins plugins or configurations. Additionally, organizations should establish regular vulnerability assessment procedures to identify similar access control weaknesses in other systems and maintain updated security baselines that align with industry standards such as NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 requirements for access control management.