CVE-2023-40339 in Config File Provider Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
Jenkins Config File Provider Plugin 952.va_544a_6234b_46 and earlier does not mask (i.e., replace with asterisks) credentials specified in configuration files when they're written to the build log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40339 affects the Jenkins Config File Provider Plugin version 952.va_5444a_6234b_46 and earlier, presenting a significant security risk through improper credential handling in build logs. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to mask sensitive credentials when configuration files containing such information are written to build output logs, creating a direct pathway for credential exposure during automated build processes.
The technical flaw resides in the plugin's logging mechanism which processes configuration files without implementing proper credential sanitization or masking procedures. When Jenkins executes builds that reference configuration files containing passwords, API keys, or other sensitive authentication data, these credentials are directly logged without replacement by asterisks or other masking characters. This behavior violates fundamental security principles for handling sensitive information in automated environments where logs are frequently accessed, stored, and potentially shared across multiple systems and personnel.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates substantial risk for organizations relying on Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment workflows. Build logs containing exposed credentials can be accessed by unauthorized personnel through various means including direct log file access, automated log analysis tools, or through compromised systems that have access to the Jenkins infrastructure. The exposure of credentials in build logs can lead to unauthorized access to production systems, database servers, container registries, and other critical infrastructure components that rely on the compromised credentials for authentication.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a specific case of inadequate input validation and output sanitization in automated build systems. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability enables techniques such as credential access through log scraping and persistence via compromised authentication mechanisms, potentially allowing adversaries to escalate privileges and maintain long-term access to target environments.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Jenkins Config File Provider Plugin version 953.va_544a_6234b_47 or later to address this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing comprehensive log access controls, establishing automated log scanning for credential exposure, configuring Jenkins to limit log retention periods, and conducting regular security reviews of configuration files. System administrators should also consider implementing centralized credential management solutions that separate authentication data from build configurations, ensuring that sensitive information never enters the build log output streams. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input sanitization and output masking in automated systems where sensitive data flows through multiple processing stages.