CVE-2023-40350 in Docker Swarm Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 08/16/2023
Jenkins Docker Swarm Plugin 1.11 and earlier does not escape values returned from Docker before inserting them into the Docker Swarm Dashboard view, resulting in a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability exploitable by attackers able to control responses from Docker.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40350 affects the Jenkins Docker Swarm Plugin version 1.11 and earlier, presenting a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw that can be exploited by attackers with the ability to influence Docker responses. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and output escaping mechanisms within the plugin's handling of Docker data. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the plugin processes values returned from Docker operations and directly incorporates them into the Docker Swarm Dashboard view without proper sanitization or escaping. The affected plugin version fails to implement adequate security controls to prevent malicious script execution within the context of authenticated users who access the dashboard interface. This stored XSS vulnerability represents a significant risk to Jenkins environments that utilize Docker Swarm integration, as it allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the application's user interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of Docker response data that the plugin consumes and displays in the dashboard view. When Docker returns certain values that contain script-like content, the plugin does not properly escape these values before rendering them in the web interface. This failure creates a persistent XSS vector where attacker-controlled data can be stored and subsequently executed in the browser context of any user who views the affected dashboard page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit - specifically, an attacker must only be able to influence the responses from Docker services that Jenkins communicates with. This could occur through various attack vectors including compromised Docker hosts, man-in-the-middle attacks, or other means of Docker service manipulation. The stored nature of the vulnerability means that malicious payloads persist until manually removed from the dashboard, providing attackers with extended opportunities for exploitation. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which defines cross-site scripting flaws as weaknesses that allow attackers to inject client-side scripts into web applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a technique involving code injection within web applications, potentially enabling further attack progression through session hijacking or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-40350 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to compromise entire Jenkins environments and steal sensitive information. When exploited, the stored XSS vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of authenticated Jenkins users, which could lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data theft. The malicious scripts could capture user credentials, access build artifacts, modify pipeline configurations, or even exfiltrate sensitive environment information. Jenkins administrators may remain unaware of the compromise until after the attack has occurred, as the malicious code executes silently within the browser context of affected users. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely heavily on Docker Swarm integration for their CI/CD pipelines, where Jenkins serves as a central orchestration point. Organizations using this plugin may experience unauthorized access to their continuous integration systems, potentially leading to supply chain attacks or unauthorized code deployments. The impact is compounded by the fact that Jenkins is often integrated with other security tools and systems, making the compromise of a single dashboard vulnerable to broader system infiltration. Recovery from such an attack typically requires manual cleanup of the stored malicious content, potential credential rotation, and thorough security auditing of the affected Jenkins environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-40350 primarily focus on immediate plugin updates and enhanced input validation practices. The most effective solution involves upgrading the Jenkins Docker Swarm Plugin to version 1.12 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict communication between Jenkins and Docker services, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. Additional defensive measures include implementing content security policies that limit script execution within the Jenkins dashboard, regular monitoring for suspicious dashboard content, and conducting security reviews of all plugin configurations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known XSS attack patterns targeting Jenkins interfaces. From a defensive perspective, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their Jenkins environments to identify other potential XSS vulnerabilities that may exist in other plugins or custom configurations. Regular security training for administrators regarding the risks of using unpatched plugins and the importance of monitoring dashboard content can also help prevent exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in CI/CD environments, where the compromise of build systems can have cascading effects throughout an organization's software development lifecycle.