CVE-2022-23118 in Debian Package Builder Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/12/2022
Jenkins Debian Package Builder Plugin 1.6.11 and earlier implements functionality that allows agents to invoke command-line `git` at an attacker-specified path on the controller, allowing attackers able to control agent processes to invoke arbitrary OS commands on the controller.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-23118 affects the Jenkins Debian Package Builder Plugin version 1.6.11 and earlier, presenting a critical command injection risk within distributed build environments. This flaw enables attackers who have compromised or can influence agent processes to execute arbitrary operating system commands on the Jenkins controller. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the plugin's implementation, specifically when handling git command execution paths that are passed from agent nodes to the central controller.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of git operations where attacker-controlled paths are directly incorporated into command execution sequences without adequate sanitization or validation. When Jenkins agents process build requests, they may receive git command specifications that include user-defined or attacker-specified paths. The plugin fails to properly validate these paths, allowing malicious inputs to be interpreted as command arguments rather than simple path references. This creates a classic command injection scenario where arbitrary commands can be executed with the privileges of the Jenkins controller process, potentially leading to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a vector to move laterally within network environments where Jenkins serves as a central build and deployment hub. The attack surface is particularly concerning in continuous integration environments where multiple agents may be compromised or where attackers have access to build agents through various attack vectors such as compromised build environments, insecure agent communication protocols, or misconfigured access controls. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain access to source code repositories, execute malicious code on the controller, or extract sensitive information from the build environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-23118 should prioritize immediate plugin version updates to 1.6.12 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit agent communication to trusted networks, ensuring that only authorized agents can connect to the Jenkins controller. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running Jenkins controllers with minimal required permissions and by implementing strict input validation for all user-supplied data. Additionally, monitoring and logging of agent communications should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-88 categories related to command injection and improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and it maps to ATT&CK techniques involving command and scripting interpreter execution and privilege escalation through compromised systems.