CVE-2022-30948 in Mercurial Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/17/2022
Jenkins Mercurial Plugin 2.16 and earlier allows attackers able to configure pipelines to check out some SCM repositories stored on the Jenkins controller's file system using local paths as SCM URLs, obtaining limited information about other projects' SCM contents.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/25/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-30948 affects the Jenkins Mercurial Plugin version 2.16 and earlier, representing a significant security flaw that enables unauthorized information disclosure through improper access control mechanisms. This issue specifically targets the plugin's handling of source code management repositories stored on the Jenkins controller's file system, creating a path traversal scenario that allows attackers with pipeline configuration privileges to access sensitive repository contents. The vulnerability stems from the plugin's inadequate validation of SCM URLs, particularly when local file system paths are used as repository identifiers, which violates fundamental security principles of access control and privilege separation.
The technical flaw manifests when the Mercurial plugin processes SCM URLs that contain local file system paths rather than traditional remote repository URLs. Attackers with the ability to configure or modify Jenkins pipelines can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious SCM URLs that reference other projects' repository locations on the controller's file system. This creates a scenario where the plugin performs repository checkout operations using local paths, effectively bypassing normal access controls and allowing information disclosure about other projects' source code repositories. The vulnerability operates under CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-200 Information Exposure principles, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive data through manipulation of file system paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially expose sensitive source code, configuration files, and other repository contents that may contain credentials, proprietary algorithms, or other confidential information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into other projects' development practices, identify potential security weaknesses in source code, or discover sensitive data that should remain isolated within specific project boundaries. The vulnerability affects organizations using Jenkins with Mercurial plugin installations where pipeline configuration privileges are granted to multiple users or where access controls are not properly enforced. This scenario commonly occurs in development environments where multiple developers or teams share a single Jenkins controller instance without adequate segregation of project resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-30948 should focus on immediate plugin version updates to 2.17 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for proper URL validation and access control enforcement. Organizations should implement strict pipeline configuration access controls, limiting who can modify or create pipelines that interact with SCM repositories. Additionally, the principle of least privilege should be enforced by ensuring that Jenkins users have only the minimum necessary permissions to perform their required tasks. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict direct file system access to Jenkins controllers, while regular security audits should monitor for unauthorized pipeline modifications. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 Credential Access: Credentials In Files, as it enables unauthorized access to repository contents that may contain sensitive information, and T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages existing pipeline configuration privileges to escalate access within the system.