CVE-2019-10440 in NeoLoad Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins NeoLoad Plugin 2.2.5 and earlier stored credentials unencrypted in its global configuration file and in job config.xml files on the Jenkins master where they could be viewed by users with Extended Read permission, or access to the master file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/16/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-10440 affects the Jenkins NeoLoad Plugin version 2.2.5 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how credentials are managed within the Jenkins ecosystem. This issue stems from the plugin's improper handling of sensitive authentication data, specifically storing credentials in plaintext format within configuration files on the Jenkins master server. The flaw exists in the global configuration file and individual job config.xml files, creating a persistent exposure that undermines the fundamental security principles of credential protection and access control within continuous integration environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to stored credentials through two distinct attack vectors. First, users with Extended Read permission on the Jenkins master can directly access the global configuration file where credentials are stored in unencrypted format. Second, attackers with access to the master file system can retrieve credentials from individual job config.xml files. This dual exposure pathway significantly increases the attack surface and provides multiple avenues for credential theft, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users have varying levels of access permissions. The flaw represents a clear violation of security best practices as defined by the Open Web Application Security Project and aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to NeoLoad testing environments and potentially compromise the broader Jenkins infrastructure. Attackers can leverage stolen credentials to perform automated load testing against target systems, potentially leading to service disruption or denial of service conditions. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for lateral movement within the network, as NeoLoad credentials may provide access to additional systems or resources that were not directly exposed through the Jenkins master. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where Jenkins serves as a central automation hub, as it can facilitate broader security breaches and compromise multiple interconnected systems.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin version updates to 2.2.6 or later, which address the plaintext credential storage issue. Organizations must implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit Extended Read permissions to only essential personnel, while also conducting comprehensive audits of existing credential storage practices. The implementation of proper credential management solutions such as Jenkins Credentials Binding Plugin or integration with external secret management systems can provide more secure alternatives to the vulnerable plaintext storage approach. Additionally, regular security scanning and configuration reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities across the entire Jenkins ecosystem, as this issue demonstrates the importance of proper data encryption and access control mechanisms in automated testing environments. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure credential handling practices and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003 for credentials from password storage modules, highlighting the need for comprehensive security measures throughout the software development lifecycle.