CVE-2020-2224 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin 1.16 and earlier versions are affected by a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability due to unescaped node names in tooltips.

Understanding CVE-2020-2224

Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin versions 1.16 and below are susceptible to stored XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2020-2224?

This CVE describes a vulnerability in Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin versions 1.16 and earlier, allowing attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2224

The vulnerability enables malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the context of an unsuspecting user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2224

Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin 1.16 and earlier versions have the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the lack of proper escaping of node names displayed in tooltips on the overview page of builds with a single axis, facilitating stored cross-site scripting.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Versions Affected: <= 1.16

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the affected plugin, gets executed in the user's browser, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-2224, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins Matrix Project Plugin to a patched version.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user input.
Regularly monitor and audit the plugin for security vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing on Jenkins plugins.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by Jenkins project.