CVE-2023-50776 in PaaSLane Estimate Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2023
Jenkins PaaSLane Estimate Plugin 1.0.4 and earlier stores PaaSLane authentication tokens unencrypted in job config.xml files on the Jenkins controller where they can be viewed by users with Item/Extended Read permission or access to the Jenkins controller file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-50776 affects the Jenkins PaaSLane Estimate Plugin version 1.0.4 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper credential handling practices. This issue stems from the plugin's failure to encrypt sensitive authentication tokens before storing them in job configuration files, creating an exploitable weakness that directly violates established security principles for credential management. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Jenkins controller's file system where job configurations are persisted, making sensitive authentication data accessible to unauthorized users with minimal privileges.
The technical flaw manifests through the insecure storage of PaaSLane authentication tokens within the job config.xml files, which are maintained on the Jenkins controller's file system. This design flaw allows attackers with Item/Extended Read permission or direct file system access to extract and potentially abuse these authentication credentials. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of security best practices as defined by CWE-312, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information through improper data handling. The plugin's architecture fails to implement proper encryption mechanisms for sensitive data at rest, creating a persistent security risk that remains active as long as the vulnerable plugin version is installed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables potential attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to PaaSLane services through stolen authentication tokens. Users with Item/Extended Read permissions can access job configuration files through legitimate Jenkins interfaces, making this attack vector particularly dangerous as it leverages existing access controls rather than requiring additional privilege escalation. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the exploitation of credentials stored in configuration files, and represents a significant risk to organizations relying on Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment processes. The exposure of authentication tokens could lead to unauthorized access to cloud resources, service interruptions, and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50776 require immediate action to address the root cause through plugin version updates, as the vulnerability exists in versions 1.0.4 and earlier. Organizations should upgrade to the latest plugin version that implements proper encryption for authentication tokens, thereby preventing the storage of sensitive credentials in plaintext format. Additionally, administrators should implement strict access controls limiting Item/Extended Read permissions to only trusted personnel, while monitoring job configuration files for unauthorized access attempts. The implementation of centralized credential management solutions and regular security audits of Jenkins configurations can further reduce the risk associated with this vulnerability. Security teams should also consider implementing file system monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access to job configuration files, as recommended by industry standards for protecting sensitive data at rest.