CVE-2022-20621 in Metrics Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2022
Jenkins Metrics Plugin 4.0.2.8 and earlier stores an access key unencrypted in its global configuration file on the Jenkins controller where it can be viewed by users with access to the Jenkins controller file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-20621 affects the Jenkins Metrics Plugin version 4.0.2.8 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper credential handling within the Jenkins ecosystem. This issue resides in the global configuration file storage mechanism where sensitive access keys are persisted in an unencrypted format, creating a persistent exposure that undermines the fundamental security principles of credential protection and access control.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's configuration storage methodology where authentication credentials, specifically access keys, are written to the Jenkins controller's file system without any encryption or obfuscation measures. This configuration file typically resides within the Jenkins home directory structure and contains sensitive information that would normally be protected through encryption or secure credential management practices. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-312, which describes the exposure of sensitive information through improper handling of credentials, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that mandate the protection of sensitive data at rest.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems that the Jenkins controller interfaces with through the metrics plugin. An attacker who gains file system access to the Jenkins controller can directly extract these unencrypted credentials, potentially enabling unauthorized access to monitoring systems, cloud services, or other infrastructure components that rely on the metrics plugin for data collection and reporting. This exposure creates a significant attack surface that can be leveraged for lateral movement, data exfiltration, or privilege escalation within the organization's infrastructure.
The implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers "Credentials In Files" and represents a common attack vector where adversaries seek to obtain credentials from compromised systems. The vulnerability essentially provides an attacker with a ready-made credential repository that requires no additional exploitation techniques beyond file system access. Organizations using affected Jenkins versions face elevated risk of unauthorized access to monitoring infrastructure and potential compromise of the broader IT ecosystem, particularly in environments where Jenkins serves as a central management point for infrastructure monitoring and operations.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate upgrading to Jenkins Metrics Plugin version 4.0.2.9 or later, which implements proper encryption of sensitive credentials within the configuration files. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing credential storage mechanisms, implement proper access controls for Jenkins controller file systems, and consider implementing additional monitoring for unauthorized file system access attempts. Organizations should also review their overall credential management practices and ensure that sensitive information is not stored in unencrypted formats within any system components, aligning with industry best practices for secure configuration management and information protection standards.