CVE-2022-20617 in Docker Commons Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2022
Jenkins Docker Commons Plugin 1.17 and earlier does not sanitize the name of an image or a tag, resulting in an OS command execution vulnerability exploitable by attackers with Item/Configure permission or able to control the contents of a previously configured job's SCM repository.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20617 affects the Jenkins Docker Commons Plugin version 1.17 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables unauthorized command execution through improper input sanitization. This issue arises from the plugin's failure to properly validate and sanitize user-supplied image names or tags, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that will be executed within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by users who possess the Item/Configure permission, which is often granted to developers and team members who need to modify job configurations. Additionally, attackers with control over a previously configured job's SCM repository can also leverage this vulnerability, expanding the potential attack surface significantly.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's handling of Docker image names and tags during container operations. When Jenkins processes job configurations that involve Docker image specifications, the plugin accepts user-provided values without adequate sanitization measures. This lack of input validation allows attackers to inject malicious commands through specially crafted image names or tag specifications that get executed as operating system commands. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter. The flaw essentially creates a command injection vector where attacker-controlled input bypasses security controls and gets executed with the privileges of the Jenkins service account, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-20617 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the Jenkins server with elevated privileges. This capability allows adversaries to establish persistent access, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy malware, or use the compromised Jenkins instance as a launchpad for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation requires relatively low privileges, making it particularly dangerous in environments where Jenkins is used as a central automation platform with broad network access. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to source code repositories, build artifacts, and other sensitive information stored within the Jenkins environment. The potential for lateral movement and privilege escalation increases significantly when Jenkins is integrated with other systems, as the compromised instance can serve as a stepping stone for accessing additional network resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-20617 should prioritize immediate plugin updates to version 1.18 or later, which contain the necessary sanitization fixes for image names and tags. Organizations should implement strict access controls and principle of least privilege, ensuring that only trusted users have Item/Configure permissions on Jenkins jobs. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments of Jenkins plugins and configurations should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities, while input validation should be strengthened across all user-controllable parameters. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of input sanitization in automation platforms and underscores the need for comprehensive security testing of third-party plugins in continuous integration environments. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates across all Jenkins instances.