CVE-2022-25179 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-25179, a vulnerability in Jenkins Pipeline: Multibranch Plugin that allows attackers to read arbitrary files on the Jenkins controller file system.

Understanding CVE-2022-25179

In February 2022, a security vulnerability labeled as CVE-2022-25179 was identified in the Jenkins Pipeline: Multibranch Plugin, potentially compromising Jenkins instances.

What is CVE-2022-25179?

The specific issue with CVE-2022-25179 lies in the plugin's ability to follow symbolic links to locations outside of the checkout directory for the configured SCM. This vulnerability permits attackers with Pipeline permissions to access and read any file on the Jenkins controller file system.

The Impact of CVE-2022-25179

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it grants unauthorized users the ability to retrieve sensitive information stored on the Jenkins controller, potentially leading to data breaches and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-25179

The technical details of CVE-2022-25179 provide insights into the vulnerability's description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins Pipeline: Multibranch Plugin 706.vd43c65dec013 and earlier versions allow following symbolic links to external locations when reading files using the readTrusted step. This oversight empowers attackers to access and read any file on the Jenkins controller file system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions include the Jenkins Pipeline: Multibranch Plugin versions up to 706.vd43c65dec013, where symbolic links are inappropriately followed, posing a security risk to Jenkins instances.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2022-25179, attackers with the ability to configure Pipelines permissions can leverage the readTrusted step to read arbitrary files on the Jenkins controller file system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2022-25179 necessitates immediate remediation steps and the implementation of long-term security measures to fortify Jenkins instances.

Immediate Steps to Take

Jenkins administrators are advised to restrict Pipeline permissions and closely monitor file access to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Implementing proper access controls and security configurations can help prevent unauthorized file reads.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, Jenkins users should regularly update the Jenkins Pipeline: Multibranch Plugin to the latest unaffected versions and stay informed about security advisories to protect their Jenkins environments.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial to apply patches released by Jenkins project promptly and consistently to ensure that known vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-25179 are addressed to maintain the security posture of Jenkins instances.