CVE-2022-36905 in Maven Metadata Plugin for Jenkins CI Server
Summary
by MITRE • 07/27/2022
Jenkins Maven Metadata Plugin for Jenkins CI server Plugin 2.2 and earlier does not perform URL validation for the Repository Base URL of List maven artifact versions parameters, resulting in a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exploitable by attackers with Item/Configure permission.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-36905 affects the Jenkins Maven Metadata Plugin version 2.2 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that enables stored cross-site scripting attacks through improper input validation. This issue specifically targets the plugin's handling of Repository Base URL parameters within the List maven artifact versions functionality, where the system fails to adequately validate user-supplied URLs before storing them in the application's data structures. The vulnerability exists within the Jenkins continuous integration platform, which is widely used across enterprise environments for automating software build processes and deployment workflows.
The technical flaw stems from the plugin's insufficient sanitization of URL inputs when configuring Maven artifact version lists, creating a persistent XSS vector that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into stored configuration data. When legitimate users view the affected configuration pages, the stored malicious payloads execute in their browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires only the Item/Configure permission level, which is commonly granted to developers and build administrators within Jenkins environments, making exploitation accessible to insiders with moderate privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to Jenkins servers and potentially compromise entire build pipelines. Attackers can leverage the stored XSS to manipulate build configurations, inject malicious code into automated processes, or exfiltrate sensitive information from the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway aligns with CWE-79, which categorizes cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses in input validation and output encoding. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.005 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachment, as attackers can use the XSS to deliver malicious payloads through compromised Jenkins configurations.
Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching of the Jenkins Maven Metadata Plugin to version 2.3 or later, which addresses the URL validation issue through proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as restricting the Item/Configure permission to only essential personnel, implementing content security policies to prevent script execution, and conducting regular security reviews of Jenkins plugin configurations. Network segmentation and monitoring of Jenkins server access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all user inputs in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of CI/CD platforms, particularly focusing on plugin security and configuration management practices that are critical for maintaining secure software development lifecycles.