CVE-2022-27217 in Vmware vRealize CodeStream Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 03/15/2022
Jenkins Vmware vRealize CodeStream Plugin 1.2 and earlier stores passwords unencrypted in job config.xml files on the Jenkins controller where they can be viewed by users with Extended Read permission, or access to the Jenkins controller file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-27217 affects the VMware vRealize CodeStream Plugin for Jenkins, specifically versions 1.2 and earlier. This issue represents a critical security flaw in how sensitive authentication credentials are handled within the Jenkins continuous integration and delivery platform. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's improper storage of password credentials in plain text format within the job configuration files, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by unauthorized individuals with appropriate access privileges.
The technical flaw manifests in the plugin's failure to implement proper credential encryption mechanisms when storing authentication information in the Jenkins controller's file system. When administrators configure jobs that utilize VMware vRealize CodeStream integration, the plugin writes password credentials directly into the job config.xml files without any form of encryption or obfuscation. This design decision violates fundamental security principles for credential management and creates a persistent exposure point within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers with minimal privileges to access sensitive information through the Extended Read permission level, which is often granted to developers and other personnel who require access to build jobs but not necessarily administrative controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it fundamentally undermines the security posture of Jenkins environments that utilize the affected plugin. Attackers who gain access to job configuration files or obtain Extended Read permissions can extract stored passwords and potentially use them to compromise additional systems within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability enables lateral movement attacks and can facilitate privilege escalation when combined with other security weaknesses. The exposure affects not only the immediate VMware vRealize CodeStream integration but can also provide attackers with access to other interconnected systems that may share similar authentication credentials. From an enterprise security perspective, this vulnerability can lead to significant data breaches, compliance violations, and operational disruptions that may require extensive forensic analysis and remediation efforts.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched version of the VMware vRealize CodeStream Plugin that addresses the unencrypted credential storage issue. The recommended approach involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and ensuring that all affected Jenkins instances are updated to versions that implement proper credential encryption. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of existing job configurations to identify and remove any stored passwords, replacing them with more secure credential management approaches such as Jenkins Credentials Binding Plugin or external secret management systems. Additionally, implementing strict access controls and privilege separation can help minimize the impact of this vulnerability by limiting who can access job configuration files and reducing the attack surface available to potential adversaries. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a clear violation of security best practices outlined in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the credential access tactic, specifically targeting the persistence and privilege escalation phases of an attack lifecycle.