CVE-2023-2196 in Code Dx Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 05/16/2023
A missing permission check in Jenkins Code Dx Plugin 3.1.0 and earlier allows attackers with Item/Read permission to check for the existence of an attacker-specified file path on an agent file system.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-2196 represents a critical permission bypass flaw within the Jenkins Code Dx Plugin version 3.1.0 and earlier releases. This issue stems from a fundamental lack of proper access control validation within the plugin's file system operations, creating a significant security risk for Jenkins environments that utilize this particular plugin. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Code Dx plugin is installed and configured, potentially exposing organizations to unauthorized file system reconnaissance and subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the absence of adequate permission validation mechanisms when processing file system queries within the Code Dx plugin. Attackers with only Item/Read permission, which is typically considered a relatively low-privilege access level, can exploit this flaw to perform unauthorized file existence checks against arbitrary paths on the agent file system. This missing permission check creates a pathway for attackers to map the file system structure of the Jenkins agent, potentially identifying sensitive files, directories, or system artifacts that could aid in further exploitation activities. The flaw essentially allows for passive reconnaissance of the target system's file structure without requiring elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to gather intelligence about the target system's configuration and file layout. This reconnaissance capability can serve as a crucial initial step in more sophisticated attack vectors, allowing threat actors to identify potential targets for privilege escalation, data exfiltration, or system compromise. The vulnerability particularly affects Jenkins environments where the Code Dx plugin is used for code analysis or security scanning activities, as these systems often have access to sensitive project files and system resources. The exposure of file system paths can reveal the presence of configuration files, source code repositories, or other artifacts that may contain sensitive information or serve as entry points for additional attacks.
Organizations utilizing Jenkins with the affected Code Dx plugin should prioritize immediate remediation through version updates to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Code Dx plugin that implements proper permission validation checks for all file system operations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security reviews of their Jenkins configurations to ensure that access controls are properly enforced and that unnecessary permissions are not granted to users or systems. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues, and represents a specific instance of insufficient permission checking in software components. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving reconnaissance and privilege escalation, as attackers can use the information gathered through file system enumeration to plan more targeted attacks against the Jenkins environment.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper access control implementation in plugin architectures and continuous security assessment of third-party components within CI/CD environments. Jenkins environments that rely on multiple plugins are particularly vulnerable to such issues, as each plugin represents a potential attack surface that must be rigorously validated for security controls. Regular security audits of plugin installations and prompt application of security patches form essential components of maintaining a secure Jenkins infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor permission gaps in specialized tools can create significant security risks in enterprise environments where Jenkins serves as a central automation platform for software development and deployment processes.