CVE-2019-10280 in Assembla Auth Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Assembla Auth Plugin stores credentials unencrypted in the global config.xml configuration file on the Jenkins master where they can be viewed by users with access to the master file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10280 affects the Jenkins Assembla Auth Plugin, representing a critical security flaw in how authentication credentials are handled within the Jenkins continuous integration and delivery platform. This issue stems from the plugin's improper storage mechanism that fails to encrypt sensitive authentication information, leaving credentials exposed in plaintext within the Jenkins master's configuration file. The vulnerability exists in the global config.xml file which serves as the central repository for Jenkins configuration settings and is typically accessible to users with sufficient privileges to read the master file system. The Assembla Auth Plugin is designed to facilitate authentication with Assembla services, but its implementation creates a significant security risk by storing user credentials in an unencrypted format that can be easily accessed by unauthorized parties. This flaw directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential storage and access control within enterprise automation platforms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the plugin's failure to apply proper encryption mechanisms when persisting authentication credentials to the Jenkins master configuration file. The global config.xml file, which contains various Jenkins settings including plugin configurations, becomes a repository for plaintext credentials that should normally be protected through encryption or secure storage mechanisms. Attackers who gain file system access to the Jenkins master server can directly read this configuration file and extract the unencrypted credentials, which may include API keys, passwords, or other sensitive authentication tokens required for accessing Assembla services. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the filesystem level rather than through network-based attacks, meaning that even if network security controls are properly configured, local access to the master server can still compromise authentication information. This flaw represents a classic example of insecure credential storage practices that aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper storage of credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to Assembla services and potentially compromise the broader software development lifecycle. Organizations using Jenkins with the Assembla Auth Plugin face significant risk of unauthorized access to their source code repositories, project management systems, and other development resources that depend on Assembla integration. The exposure of credentials can lead to unauthorized code commits, repository modifications, and potential data breaches that affect the integrity and confidentiality of development workflows. Additionally, the vulnerability can facilitate lateral movement within organizational networks if the compromised credentials have broader access permissions, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access additional systems that rely on the same authentication mechanisms. This risk is compounded by the fact that many development teams may not regularly audit their Jenkins configurations or monitor for unauthorized file system access, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where security monitoring is insufficient.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10280 should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates and configuration changes that address the root cause of the vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to the patched version of the Assembla Auth Plugin that implements proper encryption mechanisms for credential storage, as this represents the most direct and effective solution to the identified flaw. In the interim, administrators should implement additional security controls such as restricting file system access to the Jenkins master server, implementing strict access controls on the global config.xml file, and utilizing Jenkins' built-in credential management systems that provide more secure storage mechanisms. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should also be enhanced to detect unauthorized access attempts to the Jenkins master file system, while regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar credential storage vulnerabilities across other Jenkins plugins. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1552.001 emphasizes the importance of implementing robust credential protection measures, including the use of credential managers and secure storage practices that align with industry standards for protecting authentication information in automated environments.