CVE-2020-2146 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-2146 affecting Jenkins Mac Plugin versions <= 1.1.0, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks due to unvalidated SSH host keys. Find mitigation steps and best practices here.
Jenkins Mac Plugin 1.1.0 and earlier versions are susceptible to man-in-the-middle attacks due to a lack of SSH host key validation when connecting agents created by the plugin.
Understanding CVE-2020-2146
This CVE affects Jenkins Mac Plugin versions 1.1.0 and below, allowing potential security risks through unvalidated SSH host keys.
What is CVE-2020-2146?
CVE-2020-2146 is a vulnerability in Jenkins Mac Plugin versions 1.1.0 and earlier that enables man-in-the-middle attacks by not validating SSH host keys during agent connections.
The Impact of CVE-2020-2146
The vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it allows malicious actors to intercept and manipulate data exchanged between Jenkins agents and servers, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the communication.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-2146
Jenkins Mac Plugin 1.1.0 and earlier versions lack proper validation of SSH host keys, leading to the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the failure to validate SSH host keys when establishing connections between agents created by the Jenkins Mac Plugin, leaving the communication vulnerable to interception.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Jenkins Mac Plugin
- Vendor: Jenkins project
- Versions Affected: <= 1.1.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by intercepting and altering data transmitted between Jenkins agents and servers.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-2146 and enhance security measures, consider the following steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Jenkins Mac Plugin to a version that includes the fix for SSH host key validation.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities indicating a potential man-in-the-middle attack.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement strict SSH key validation policies across all Jenkins plugins and configurations.
- Regularly update and patch Jenkins and its associated plugins to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Jenkins project to promptly apply patches addressing security vulnerabilities.