CVE-2020-2164 in Artifactory Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Artifactory Plugin 3.5.0 and earlier stores its Artifactory server password unencrypted in its global configuration file on the Jenkins master where it can be viewed by users with access to the master file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2164 affects the Jenkins Artifactory Plugin version 3.5.0 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in how authentication credentials are stored within the Jenkins ecosystem. This issue stems from the plugin's improper handling of sensitive information during the configuration process, specifically targeting the global configuration file that resides on the Jenkins master server's file system. The vulnerability represents a fundamental failure in secure credential management practices, where sensitive authentication data is stored in plain text rather than being properly encrypted or obfuscated.
The technical implementation flaw manifests when administrators configure Artifactory server connections through the Jenkins interface, as the plugin serializes the password directly into the configuration file without applying any encryption mechanisms. This configuration file typically resides in the Jenkins master's file system at a predictable location, making it accessible to any user or process that can read files on the master server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and directly violates security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically targeting the improper handling of sensitive data. The flaw creates a persistent security risk where any individual with file system access to the Jenkins master can extract the stored password and potentially gain unauthorized access to the Artifactory server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to enterprise artifact repositories that may contain sensitive source code, binaries, and other proprietary information. This access can facilitate further attacks within the software supply chain, allowing threat actors to modify artifacts, inject malicious code, or exfiltrate confidential data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where Jenkins masters are shared or where multiple users have varying levels of access to the underlying file system, as it eliminates the need for more sophisticated attack vectors that would typically be required to compromise authentication systems. From an attack perspective, this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through credential exposure, where attackers can leverage compromised credentials to gain deeper access to connected systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to reduce risk exposure. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to Jenkins Artifactory Plugin version 3.5.1 or later, which addresses the encryption issue through proper credential handling mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict file system access controls using principles of least privilege, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access the Jenkins master file system. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the Jenkins master server to unauthorized network access. Security teams should also implement monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts and consider implementing credential rotation procedures to limit the impact of potential exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential storage practices and highlights the necessity of following security frameworks such as NIST SP 800-63B for identity management and authentication systems. Organizations should also consider implementing alternative credential management solutions such as Jenkins Credentials Plugin with proper encryption or external secret management systems to avoid similar issues in the future.