CVE-2023-37960 in MathWorks Polyspace Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
Jenkins MathWorks Polyspace Plugin 1.0.5 and earlier allows attackers with Item/Configure permission to send emails with arbitrary files from the Jenkins controller file systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/02/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37960 affects the Jenkins MathWorks Polyspace Plugin version 1.0.5 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that stems from improper access controls and file system exposure mechanisms. This issue enables authenticated attackers who possess the Item/Configure permission level to exploit a flaw in the plugin's email functionality, allowing them to access and transmit arbitrary files from the Jenkins controller's file system. The vulnerability represents a significant escalation path for attackers who may have limited permissions within the Jenkins environment but can leverage this specific plugin to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the plugin's handling of email attachments and file system operations during the email sending process. When an attacker with Item/Configure permissions triggers the email functionality, the plugin fails to properly validate or sanitize file paths that are specified for inclusion in outgoing emails. This lack of proper input validation creates a path traversal or arbitrary file read condition where malicious actors can specify file paths that point to sensitive system files, configuration data, or other confidential information stored on the Jenkins controller. The vulnerability specifically exploits the plugin's assumption that file paths provided by users are legitimate and safe, without implementing proper access controls or path validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to exfiltrate sensitive data from the Jenkins controller environment. Attackers can potentially access build artifacts, configuration files, credential stores, or other system resources that may contain intellectual property, authentication tokens, or other confidential information. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where Jenkins controllers often serve as central points for software development automation and may contain access to production systems, source code repositories, or other critical infrastructure components. The ability to send arbitrary files via email creates a direct data exfiltration channel that can bypass traditional network monitoring and firewall rules.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the affected Jenkins MathWorks Polyspace Plugin to version 1.0.6 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement strict access controls and principle of least privilege configurations, ensuring that only authorized personnel possess Item/Configure permissions for Jenkins jobs and plugins. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual email sending activities or attempts to access system files. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and CWE-73 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts for maintaining persistent access while leveraging legitimate permissions to exploit the system. Organizations should also consider implementing file system access controls and monitoring mechanisms that can detect unauthorized file access patterns within their Jenkins environments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.