CVE-2020-2133 in Applatix Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Applatix Plugin 1.1 and earlier stores a password unencrypted in job config.xml files on the Jenkins master where it 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 • 02/13/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2133 affects the Jenkins Applatix plugin version 1.1 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how sensitive authentication credentials are handled within the Jenkins environment. This issue stems from the improper storage of passwords in plain text format within job configuration files, specifically within the config.xml files that reside on the Jenkins master server. The flaw represents a fundamental failure in credential management practices and directly violates established security principles for protecting sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows for unauthorized access to stored passwords through two primary attack vectors. First, users who possess Extended Read permission on the Jenkins instance can directly access the job configuration files and extract the unencrypted password values. Second, attackers with access to the master file system can directly read these configuration files without requiring additional authentication. This dual exposure pathway significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the effective security posture of Jenkins installations using the affected plugin. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials storage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to external systems that rely on the stored credentials for authentication. This can lead to lateral movement within networks, privilege escalation, and potential compromise of additional systems that depend on the same authentication credentials. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that use Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment processes, where automated systems often require access to external services, databases, or cloud platforms. The exposure of these credentials can result in significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The most critical immediate action involves upgrading to Jenkins Applatix plugin version 1.1 and later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly encrypt stored credentials. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict Extended Read permissions to minimize the number of users who can access sensitive configuration files. File system access controls should be strengthened through proper user privilege management, ensuring that only authorized personnel have direct access to the Jenkins master file system. Implementing credential rotation procedures and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts can further enhance security. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as encrypted configuration files, centralized credential management systems, and regular security audits of Jenkins configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring in other plugins or components.