CVE-2022-34199 in Convertigo Mobile Platform Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2022
Jenkins Convertigo Mobile Platform Plugin 1.1 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 • 07/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-34199 affects the Convertigo Mobile Platform plugin for Jenkins, specifically versions 1.1 and earlier. This issue represents a critical security flaw in how sensitive authentication data is handled within the Jenkins environment, creating a significant risk for organizations that rely on automated mobile application development and deployment pipelines. The vulnerability resides in the plugin's configuration storage mechanism where passwords are persisted in plaintext within the job configuration files, fundamentally undermining the security posture of the continuous integration and delivery infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through improper credential handling practices where authentication credentials including passwords are stored in plain text within the job config.xml files on the Jenkins controller. This design decision violates fundamental security principles and creates an attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors with minimal privileges. The vulnerability specifically affects users who possess Extended Read permission or those who have direct access to the Jenkins controller's file system, making it particularly dangerous in environments where privilege escalation is possible or where multiple developers share access to the system. The configuration files are typically stored in a location that is accessible to the Jenkins process, and when these files contain unencrypted passwords, they become a prime target for unauthorized access and credential theft.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables attackers to gain unauthorized access to mobile application development environments, potentially compromising the entire development pipeline. Attackers with access to these plaintext credentials can perform unauthorized deployments, modify application code, access sensitive mobile application data, and potentially escalate their privileges within the broader infrastructure. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege and secure credential management. The implications are particularly severe for mobile application development where credentials often provide access to production environments, user databases, and sensitive application data that could be exploited for financial gain or data breaches.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of mitigation strategies to protect their Jenkins environments. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Convertigo Mobile Platform plugin where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper credential encryption mechanisms. Additionally, system administrators should implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit who can access the Jenkins controller file system and job configuration files. The implementation of role-based access controls should ensure that only authorized personnel have Extended Read permissions, while regular security audits should verify that no sensitive information is stored in plaintext within configuration files. Organizations should also consider implementing centralized credential management solutions and regular monitoring of configuration file access to detect unauthorized attempts to read sensitive data. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure credential handling practices and the necessity of following established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for protecting sensitive information within automated development environments.