CVE-2019-10423 in CodeScan Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins CodeScan Plugin stores credentials unencrypted in its global 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 • 09/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10423 resides within the Jenkins CodeScan Plugin, a widely used tool for integrating static code analysis into continuous integration pipelines. This security flaw represents a critical configuration weakness that directly compromises the integrity of sensitive authentication data within Jenkins environments. The issue manifests when the plugin stores user credentials in plain text format within the global configuration file located on the Jenkins master server. This design flaw fundamentally undermines the security assumptions of credential protection, as it eliminates any form of encryption or obfuscation mechanisms that should normally safeguard authentication information. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Jenkins for automated build processes and code analysis, where the CodeScan Plugin is commonly integrated into development workflows.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper credential handling within the plugin's configuration management system. When administrators configure the plugin to connect to external code scanning tools or services, they must provide authentication credentials that are subsequently stored in the Jenkins master's file system. The plugin fails to implement any form of encryption or secure storage mechanisms for these credentials, leaving them exposed in clear text within the configuration file. This represents a direct violation of security best practices and aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The flaw operates at the configuration layer rather than the application layer, making it particularly dangerous as it persists across system restarts and remains accessible to any user with file system access to the Jenkins master.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, creating significant risks for organizations that depend on Jenkins for their software development lifecycle. Attackers who gain file system access to the Jenkins master can directly extract all stored credentials, potentially gaining access to multiple systems and services that rely on the same authentication information. This exposure creates a domino effect where a single compromised file system access can lead to widespread unauthorized access across an organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where Jenkins masters are hosted on shared or less secure servers, or where file system access controls are not properly enforced. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps directly to ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which involves the discovery of credentials stored in configuration files, and represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure. The primary recommendation involves restricting file system access to the Jenkins master server, ensuring that only authorized administrators can access the configuration files containing sensitive information. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing encryption mechanisms at the file system level or utilizing Jenkins' built-in credential management systems that properly encrypt stored information. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar configuration issues across all Jenkins plugins and components. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of proper security testing during plugin development and deployment, emphasizing the need for security reviews that specifically address credential handling and storage practices. Organizations should also consider migrating to more secure credential management solutions that integrate with Jenkins' native credential storage mechanisms or implementing additional layers of security such as encrypted file systems or secure credential vaults to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.