CVE-2019-10428 in Aqua Security Scanner Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Aqua Security Scanner Plugin 3.0.17 and earlier transmitted configured credentials in plain text as part of the global Jenkins configuration form, potentially resulting in their exposure.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10428 affects the Jenkins Aqua Security Scanner Plugin version 3.0.17 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper credential handling within the Jenkins configuration interface. This issue arises from the plugin's design flaw where authentication credentials are transmitted in plaintext format rather than being properly encrypted or obfuscated during configuration processes. The vulnerability specifically manifests when administrators configure the plugin settings through Jenkins' web-based management interface, creating an attack surface that exposes sensitive authentication information to potential adversaries.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's failure to implement proper security measures for credential transmission, violating fundamental security principles for handling sensitive information in web applications. According to CWE-312, this represents a weakness where sensitive data is stored or transmitted in a format that is easily readable by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability occurs at the configuration layer where the plugin collects user credentials for Aqua security scanning services, and these credentials are subsequently transmitted without encryption or proper obfuscation mechanisms. This design oversight creates a direct pathway for credential exposure during the configuration process, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Jenkins is accessible over untrusted networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, potentially enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access to Aqua security scanning services and related infrastructure. An attacker who intercepts the plaintext credentials could leverage them to perform security scans on behalf of the organization, potentially discovering vulnerabilities in systems that would otherwise remain hidden. The exposure affects not only the Aqua scanning service but also potentially impacts other systems that rely on the same credentials, creating a cascading security risk. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credentials from password stores, as it exposes stored credentials through improper transmission mechanisms rather than through direct credential theft or cracking attempts.
Organizations utilizing the affected Jenkins plugin versions face significant risk of credential compromise, particularly in environments where network traffic is not properly secured or monitored. The vulnerability is especially concerning in cloud environments or shared network infrastructures where traffic interception is more feasible. Security teams should immediately assess their Jenkins installations to identify affected plugin versions and implement mitigation strategies. The recommended remediation involves upgrading to Jenkins Aqua Security Scanner Plugin version 3.0.18 or later, which addresses the plaintext credential transmission issue through proper encryption mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network segmentation, monitoring for unusual credential access patterns, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other Jenkins plugins or system components. The incident underscores the critical importance of secure credential handling practices and proper security testing of third-party plugins in continuous integration and deployment environments.