CVE-2018-1999033 in Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
An exposure of sensitive information vulnerability exists in Jenkins Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin 10.16 and earlier in AnchoreBuilder.java that allows attackers with Item/ExtendedRead permission or file system access to the Jenkins master to obtain the password stored in this plugin's configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/12/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1999033 represents a critical sensitive data exposure issue within the Jenkins Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin ecosystem. This security flaw specifically affects versions 10.16 and earlier of the plugin, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on Jenkins for container image security scanning operations. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the plugin's configuration management system, exposing a fundamental weakness in how sensitive information is stored and protected within the Jenkins environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs within the AnchoreBuilder.java file where authentication credentials are stored in an insecure manner. Attackers with either Item/ExtendedRead permission or direct file system access to the Jenkins master server can exploit this weakness to extract stored passwords. This represents a classic privilege escalation scenario where insufficient access controls and poor credential storage practices create an attack vector that can be leveraged by adversaries with minimal privileges. The vulnerability manifests as a direct exposure of sensitive configuration data that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating potential downstream security implications for container image scanning operations and overall Jenkins infrastructure security. Organizations utilizing the Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin may experience unauthorized access to their container registry credentials, potentially enabling attackers to pull, push, or manipulate container images within their registries. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by allowing unauthorized disclosure of sensitive authentication information that should remain protected within the Jenkins configuration system.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials and authentication data. The flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which focuses on credentials in files, as the vulnerability specifically involves password exposure through file system access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the plugin, restricting file system access to Jenkins master nodes, and implementing principle of least privilege controls for Item/ExtendedRead permissions. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure credential management practices and proper access controls within continuous integration and deployment environments.
Mitigation strategies should include comprehensive patch management programs to upgrade to versions of the Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin that address this vulnerability, along with enhanced monitoring of file system access patterns to the Jenkins master server. Security teams should also implement regular audits of plugin configurations and credential storage practices to prevent similar exposure scenarios. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation when handling sensitive information within automated security tools and DevOps platforms. Organizations should establish robust incident response procedures for credential exposure events and consider implementing additional security controls such as credential rotation and access logging to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration data.