CVE-2017-1000396 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Jenkins versions prior to 2.73.1 and 2.83 bundled a vulnerable version of the commons-httpclient library, exposing it to potential man-in-the-middle attacks due to SSL certificate verification issues.

Understanding CVE-2017-1000396

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in Jenkins related to SSL certificate verification.

What is CVE-2017-1000396?

CVE-2017-1000396 is a security vulnerability in Jenkins versions prior to 2.73.1 and 2.83 due to a flaw in the commons-httpclient library.

The Impact of CVE-2017-1000396

The vulnerability could allow attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks on Jenkins instances, potentially compromising sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-1000396

Jenkins 2.73.1 and earlier, as well as 2.83 and earlier, contained the vulnerable commons-httpclient library with CVE-2012-6153.

Vulnerability Description

The commons-httpclient library incorrectly verified SSL certificates, making Jenkins susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Jenkins versions prior to 2.73.1 and 2.83

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit the SSL certificate verification issue to intercept communication between Jenkins and users, potentially leading to data theft or manipulation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-1000396, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins to version 2.73.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Jenkins and its dependencies to patch known vulnerabilities
Implement secure communication protocols and encryption mechanisms

Patching and Updates

Apply the fix for CVE-2012-6153 that was retroactively added to the bundled version of commons-httpclient in Jenkins core and plugins