CVE-2019-10385 in eggPlant Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins eggPlant Plugin 2.2 and earlier stores credentials unencrypted in job config.xml files on the Jenkins master where they can be viewed by users with Extended Read permission, or access to the master file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/22/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10385 affects the Jenkins eggPlant Plugin version 2.2 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper credential handling within the Jenkins automation platform. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to encrypt sensitive authentication information when storing it in job configuration files, creating a persistent exposure on the Jenkins master server. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles regarding credential protection and demonstrates poor implementation of secure data storage practices within the Jenkins ecosystem.
The technical flaw manifests when the eggPlant plugin saves user credentials in the job config.xml files without applying encryption mechanisms. These configuration files are typically stored on the Jenkins master server in a location accessible to various system components and users. The vulnerability becomes exploitable when users possess Extended Read permission on the Jenkins instance, which allows them to access job configuration details and extract the unencrypted credentials stored within these XML files. Additionally, attackers with direct access to the master file system can also retrieve these sensitive credentials, creating multiple attack vectors for credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables unauthorized access to systems that the eggPlant plugin is configured to test against. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can leverage the stolen credentials to perform automated testing operations, potentially gaining access to target applications, databases, or network resources that the plugin is designed to monitor. This creates a cascading security risk where compromised credentials can lead to further system compromise, data exfiltration, or unauthorized operations within the testing environment. The vulnerability also undermines the integrity of the Jenkins security model, as it allows privilege escalation through configuration file access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-10385 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 2.3 or later, which addresses the unencrypted credential storage issue through proper encryption mechanisms. Organizations should implement strict access controls to limit Extended Read permissions and file system access to only trusted administrators. The principle of least privilege should be enforced through proper user role management and permission auditing. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments of Jenkins plugins and implement automated monitoring for credential exposure in configuration files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Sensitive Data Exposure) and represents a clear violation of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework's Protect function, specifically addressing the safeguarding of credentials and sensitive information.
The exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure credential management in CI/CD environments where automated testing tools interact with production systems. Organizations should implement centralized credential management solutions such as Jenkins Credentials Plugin or external secret management systems to prevent credential storage in plain text configuration files. Regular security training for Jenkins administrators about the risks of storing credentials in configuration files and proper implementation of encryption standards should be mandatory. The vulnerability also highlights the need for continuous security monitoring and automated scanning of Jenkins plugin versions to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities in the automation pipeline.