CVE-2020-2245 in Valgrind Plugin
Summary
by MITRE
Jenkins Valgrind Plugin 0.28 and earlier does not configure its XML parser to prevent XML external entity (XXE) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2020
The Jenkins Valgrind Plugin vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-2245 represents a critical security flaw in versions 0.28 and earlier that exposes the system to XML external entity attacks. This vulnerability stems from inadequate configuration of the XML parser component within the plugin, which fails to properly restrict external entity resolution during XML processing operations. The flaw specifically affects the plugin's ability to handle XML input securely, creating potential entry points for malicious actors to exploit the underlying Jenkins instance.
This technical weakness manifests as a failure to implement proper XML parser security controls that would normally prevent the expansion of external entities during parsing operations. The vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious XML payloads that can trigger unauthorized access to internal resources, potentially leading to information disclosure, denial of service conditions, or even remote code execution depending on the broader system configuration. The root cause aligns with CWE-611, which specifically addresses improper restriction of XML external entities, and represents a classic XXE attack vector that has been documented across numerous applications and platforms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can enable attackers to perform reconnaissance activities against the Jenkins server infrastructure. Attackers can leverage the XXE vulnerability to access internal network resources, read local files, or potentially escalate privileges within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment workflows, where unauthorized access to build systems can result in significant operational disruptions and potential supply chain compromises. This flaw directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can undermine the security posture of automated build environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-2245 require immediate action to upgrade the Jenkins Valgrind Plugin to version 0.29 or later, which includes proper XML parser configuration to prevent external entity resolution. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as network segmentation to limit access to Jenkins servers, disable unnecessary XML processing capabilities where possible, and conduct regular security assessments of plugin configurations. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the updated plugin maintains functionality while addressing the XXE vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring solutions to detect potential exploitation attempts, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. Organizations must also review their overall plugin management policies to ensure timely updates and proper vulnerability assessment procedures are in place.