CVE-2024-23899 in Git Server Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2024
Jenkins Git server Plugin 99.va_0826a_b_cdfa_d and earlier does not disable a feature of its command parser that replaces an '@' character followed by a file path in an argument with the file's contents, allowing attackers with Overall/Read permission to read content from arbitrary files on the Jenkins controller file system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/05/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23899 affects the Jenkins Git server plugin version 99.va_0826a_b_cdfa_d and earlier, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the integrity of the Jenkins continuous integration platform. This issue stems from an insufficiently disabled feature within the plugin's command parser implementation, creating a path traversal and arbitrary file reading vulnerability that can be exploited by authenticated attackers. The flaw specifically involves the replacement mechanism that processes '@' character followed by file paths in command arguments, which when improperly handled, allows unauthorized access to sensitive files on the Jenkins controller's file system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the command parser's handling of argument substitution, where the plugin fails to properly sanitize or disable the '' file inclusion feature. When an attacker with Overall/Read permission submits a crafted command containing an '' character followed by a file path, the parser executes the substitution by reading the specified file and inserting its contents into the command execution context. This behavior directly violates the principle of least privilege and creates a direct path for information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory" and aligns with CWE-77 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')", demonstrating a combination of path traversal and command injection characteristics.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to potentially sensitive files that may contain configuration data, credentials, or other confidential information stored on the Jenkins controller. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to read system files, configuration files, and potentially even credential stores or secret files that the Jenkins controller has access to. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it requires only Overall/Read permission, which is often granted to users who need to view build results or job configurations, making the exploitation accessible to a broader range of authenticated users. This vulnerability enables adversaries to perform reconnaissance and potentially escalate their privileges by discovering additional sensitive information within the Jenkins environment, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1083 (File and Directory Discovery) and T1552 (Unsecured Credentials) in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
Organizations using affected Jenkins Git server plugin versions should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to a patched version of the Jenkins Git server plugin that properly disables or sanitizes the '@' file inclusion feature. Administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as restricting Overall/Read permissions to only trusted users and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit exposure of the Jenkins controller to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and the principle of least privilege in security implementations, as the issue could have been prevented by disabling the dangerous feature entirely or implementing strict path validation for file inclusion operations. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough security reviews of all Jenkins plugins to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their CI/CD infrastructure.