CVE-2022-23106 in Configuration as Code Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2022
Jenkins Configuration as Code Plugin 1.55 and earlier used a non-constant time comparison function when validating an authentication token allowing attackers to use statistical methods to obtain a valid authentication token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23106 affects the Jenkins Configuration as Code Plugin version 1.55 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through its implementation of authentication token validation. This flaw resides in the plugin's handling of authentication mechanisms, specifically within the token validation process where it employs a non-constant time comparison function. The issue stems from the plugin's failure to implement constant-time string comparison algorithms when verifying authentication tokens, creating a timing side-channel attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through the use of standard string comparison functions that do not execute in constant time regardless of input values. When an authentication token is validated, the system performs character-by-character comparison that varies in execution time based on the position and value of matching characters. Attackers can exploit this timing variation by making multiple authentication requests and measuring response times to statistically determine the correct token values. This approach leverages the timing differences in the comparison process to gradually reconstruct valid authentication tokens through repeated testing and analysis of response latencies.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it can enable unauthorized access to Jenkins configuration management systems and potentially lead to broader system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains the ability to authenticate to the Jenkins instance without proper authorization, potentially accessing sensitive configuration data, modifying system settings, or deploying malicious code through the configuration as code functionality. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Jenkins for automated deployment and configuration management, where unauthorized access could result in service disruption, data compromise, or unauthorized system modifications.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with CWE-203, which addresses "Observable Timing Discrepancy," and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1565.001 for "Data Manipulation" and T1110.001 for "Brute Force." Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to Jenkins Configuration as Code Plugin version 1.56 or later, which contains the patched constant-time comparison implementation. Additional defensive measures include implementing rate limiting for authentication attempts, monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, and conducting security assessments of all Jenkins plugins to identify similar timing-based vulnerabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of constant-time algorithm implementation in cryptographic operations and authentication systems to prevent side-channel attacks that can undermine even well-designed security mechanisms.