CVE-2020-2178 : Security Advisory and Response

Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin 10.4.3 and earlier versions are susceptible to XML external entity (XXE) attacks due to a misconfiguration in the XML parser.

Understanding CVE-2020-2178

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin that could allow malicious entities to exploit XXE attacks.

What is CVE-2020-2178?

CVE-2020-2178 pertains to the failure of Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin versions 10.4.3 and below to properly secure the XML parser, leaving them open to XXE attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2178

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to read sensitive data, execute remote code, or perform denial of service attacks on systems using the affected plugin.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2178

Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin 10.4.3 and earlier versions are affected by the following:

Vulnerability Description

The plugin fails to configure its XML parser adequately, making it vulnerable to XXE attacks, allowing malicious entities to access sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Versions Affected: <= 10.4.3
Version Type: Custom

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by injecting malicious XML payloads to trigger XXE attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-2178, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Jenkins Parasoft Findings Plugin to a patched version that addresses the XXE vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious XML input.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and update plugins promptly.
Conduct security assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Jenkins project to ensure the plugin is secure against XXE attacks.