CVE-2023-37949 in Orka Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
A missing permission check in Jenkins Orka by MacStadium Plugin 1.33 and earlier allows attackers with Overall/Read permission to connect to an attacker-specified URL using attacker-specified credentials IDs obtained through another method, capturing credentials stored in Jenkins.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37949 represents a critical authorization flaw within the Jenkins Orka by MacStadium plugin version 1.33 and earlier. This issue stems from a missing permission check that fundamentally undermines the security model of the plugin, allowing unauthorized access to credential storage mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Orka plugin is installed and configured, creating a pathway for attackers to escalate their privileges through credential harvesting. The flaw exists in the plugin's handling of external connections and credential management, creating a vector for attackers to exploit existing read permissions and transform them into more dangerous access capabilities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's failure to properly validate authorization levels when processing external URL connections. Attackers with only Overall/Read permission can manipulate the plugin to establish connections to arbitrary URLs using credentials IDs that they have obtained through alternative means. This missing permission check creates a direct pathway for credential exfiltration, as the plugin does not properly verify whether the requesting user has sufficient authorization to access the specific credential storage mechanisms. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly interact with Jenkins' credential store, leveraging their existing read permissions to gain access to sensitive authentication data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire Jenkins environments through lateral movement and privilege escalation. Once attackers obtain credentials through this vulnerability, they can access not only the Orka plugin configurations but also any other systems or services that rely on the stolen credentials. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to users who might not have direct administrative access but still possess basic read permissions within the Jenkins environment. This weakness creates a significant risk for organizations that rely on Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment processes, where credential exposure can lead to complete system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention from Jenkins administrators, including upgrading to plugin versions that address the missing permission check. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized connections to external URLs from Jenkins instances, particularly those involving credential access patterns. The remediation process involves not only updating the plugin but also reviewing and tightening overall permission models within Jenkins to ensure that read permissions cannot be leveraged to access credential storage. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and firewall rules that restrict outbound connections from Jenkins instances to prevent exploitation of this vulnerability. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-639, which addresses authorization flaws in software systems, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this issue under credential access techniques, specifically highlighting the exploitation of permission boundaries to obtain sensitive authentication data.