CVE-2020-2131 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin 0.5.1 and earlier versions store passwords unencrypted, posing a security risk to Jenkins instances.

Understanding CVE-2020-2131

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin that allows passwords to be stored in an unencrypted format.

What is CVE-2020-2131?

Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin versions 0.5.1 and earlier store passwords without encryption in job config.xml files on the Jenkins master, potentially exposing them to unauthorized access.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2131

The vulnerability enables users with Extended Read permission or access to the master file system to view sensitive passwords stored in plain text.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2131

The technical aspects of the CVE provide insight into the vulnerability's specifics.

Vulnerability Description

The Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin vulnerability allows passwords to be stored in an unencrypted format within job config.xml files, leading to potential exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Versions Affected:
0.5.1 and earlier (<= 0.5.1)
Next version after 0.5.1 (unknown status)

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by users with specific permissions or access to the Jenkins master file system to retrieve unencrypted passwords.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins Harvest SCM Plugin to a secure version.
Avoid storing sensitive information in unencrypted formats.
Restrict access to Jenkins master file system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure password management practices.
Regularly review and update security configurations.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Jenkins project to address the vulnerability.