CVE-2023-37965 in ElasticBox CI Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 07/12/2023
A missing permission check in Jenkins ElasticBox CI Plugin 5.0.1 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 • 07/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-37965 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the Jenkins ElasticBox CI Plugin version 5.0.1 and earlier. This issue stems from a missing permission check that fundamentally undermines the security model of Jenkins credential management. The ElasticBox plugin, designed to integrate Jenkins with ElasticBox container orchestration platforms, fails to properly validate user permissions before executing credential retrieval operations, creating an exploitable gap in the authorization framework.
The technical flaw manifests when an attacker with only Overall/Read permission attempts to connect to arbitrary URLs through the plugin interface. This permission level typically should only allow read access to Jenkins configuration and build information, yet the vulnerability enables the attacker to escalate their privileges through credential interception. The flaw operates by allowing the plugin to accept attacker-specified credentials IDs, which are then used to establish connections to URLs chosen by the malicious actor. This mechanism bypasses normal Jenkins credential validation processes, effectively allowing unauthorized access to stored credentials that should remain protected.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple information disclosure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to capture sensitive credentials stored within Jenkins, potentially gaining access to external systems, databases, and other resources that rely on these credentials for authentication. The vulnerability creates a pathway for lateral movement within network environments where Jenkins serves as a central automation hub, as captured credentials could provide access to multiple systems and services. This represents a significant risk to organizations that store database credentials, API keys, and service accounts within Jenkins, as the vulnerability allows for automated credential harvesting without requiring additional privilege escalation.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability maps directly to CWE-284 (Improper Access Control) and aligns with ATT&CK techniques related to credential access and privilege escalation. The missing permission check violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and principle of least authority, where the system should not permit actions beyond what is explicitly authorized. Organizations implementing Jenkins with ElasticBox plugin are particularly at risk as this vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have minimal initial access to the system, making it a significant concern for security teams managing continuous integration and deployment pipelines.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the permission check deficiency, as well as comprehensive credential review and rotation of any credentials that may have been compromised. Security teams should implement network segmentation to limit access to Jenkins from untrusted networks and establish monitoring for unusual credential usage patterns. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough audits of credential storage practices within Jenkins, ensuring that sensitive credentials are properly protected through Jenkins' built-in credential management features rather than relying on external systems that may introduce such vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of third-party plugins and their integration points with core Jenkins functionality should become standard practice to prevent similar authorization bypass scenarios.