CVE-2019-16549 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Version 0.16.1 of the Jenkins Maven Release Plugin and earlier versions are vulnerable to XML external entity (XXE) attacks due to improper XML parser configuration. This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers with man-in-the-middle capabilities.

Understanding CVE-2019-16549

Jenkins Maven Release Plugin versions <= 0.16.1 lack proper XML parser configuration, making them susceptible to XXE attacks.

What is CVE-2019-16549?

CVE-2019-16549 is a vulnerability in the Jenkins Maven Release Plugin that allows malicious actors to manipulate XML files to exploit Jenkins' parsing process.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16549

The vulnerability enables attackers with man-in-the-middle capabilities to craft XML documents that can be parsed by Jenkins, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16549

Jenkins Maven Release Plugin version 0.16.1 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper XML parser configuration, exposing the plugin to XXE attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins Maven Release Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Versions Affected: <= 0.16.1 (unspecified version type)

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious individuals with man-in-the-middle capabilities can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating XML files to compromise Jenkins' parsing process.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-16549.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jenkins Maven Release Plugin to a secure version that includes proper XML parser configuration.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that could indicate XXE attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations for Jenkins and its plugins.
Educate users on safe XML handling practices to prevent XXE vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Jenkins project to fix the vulnerability.