CVE-2022-46687 in Spring Config Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2022
Jenkins Spring Config Plugin 2.0.0 and earlier does not escape build display names shown on the Spring Config view, resulting in a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exploitable by attackers able to change build display names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2023
The Jenkins Spring Config Plugin vulnerability CVE-2022-46687 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that emerged in versions 2.0.0 and earlier of the plugin. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the plugin's Spring Config view functionality, where build display names are rendered without proper HTML escaping mechanisms. The flaw allows attackers with the ability to modify build display names to inject malicious scripts that persist within the application's user interface, creating a stored XSS attack vector that can compromise user sessions and execute unauthorized actions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the plugin processes and displays build display names within its Spring Config view without applying proper output encoding or sanitization. This failure to escape user-controllable input creates an environment where malicious payloads can be stored and subsequently executed whenever the affected view is accessed by other users. The vulnerability specifically targets the display name field, which serves as an entry point for attackers to inject script code that gets rendered in the web interface. According to CWE-79, this represents a classic stored cross-site scripting vulnerability where malicious data is stored on the server and then served to other users without proper sanitization.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-46687 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation within the Jenkins environment. When users access the Spring Config view, their browsers execute the stored malicious scripts, potentially allowing attackers to steal cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform actions on behalf of authenticated users. The vulnerability's exploitability is significantly enhanced by the fact that it requires minimal privileges to exploit - attackers only need the ability to modify build display names, which many users may possess in typical Jenkins configurations. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious files and T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter.
Organizations utilizing Jenkins with the Spring Config Plugin must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the plugin where proper input sanitization has been implemented. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict permissions for build display name modifications to minimize the attack surface. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though they should not replace proper code-level fixes. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, particularly in environments where multiple users interact with shared resources and build artifacts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive audits of all Jenkins plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the continuous integration and delivery pipeline.