CVE-2020-2301 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Jenkins Active Directory Plugin 2.19 and earlier versions allow attackers to log in as any user with any password, exploiting a vulnerability in Windows/ADSI mode.

Understanding CVE-2020-2301

This CVE involves improper authentication in the Jenkins Active Directory Plugin.

What is CVE-2020-2301?

Jenkins Active Directory Plugin versions 2.19 and below enable unauthorized access by allowing attackers to impersonate any user during the optional cache authentication process.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2301

This vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to Jenkins instances, potentially compromising sensitive data and system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2301

The technical aspects of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Jenkins Active Directory Plugin allows attackers to bypass authentication and log in as any user with any password.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins Active Directory Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Affected Versions: <= 2.19 (custom version), ! 2.16.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the flaw in Windows/ADSI mode to gain unauthorized access to Jenkins instances.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-2301, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins Active Directory Plugin to a secure version.
Implement strong password policies.
Monitor authentication logs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Jenkins and its plugins.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing.
Educate users on secure authentication practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Jenkins project to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.