CVE-2022-28141 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2022-28141, a vulnerability found in Jenkins Proxmox Plugin 0.5.0 and earlier versions that could lead to the exposure of sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2022-28141

CVE-2022-28141 is a security vulnerability identified in Jenkins Proxmox Plugin, impacting versions up to 0.5.0, where the Proxmox Datacenter password is stored in an unencrypted format in the global config.xml file on the Jenkins controller, potentially allowing unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2022-28141?

The vulnerability in Jenkins Proxmox Plugin 0.5.0 and earlier versions allows the Proxmox Datacenter password to be stored in an unencrypted state in the config.xml file, making it accessible to users with file system access on the Jenkins controller.

The Impact of CVE-2022-28141

This vulnerability poses a significant security risk as it exposes sensitive credentials, in this case, the Proxmox Datacenter password, which could be misused by threat actors to gain unauthorized access to the system or carry out malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-28141

The technical aspects of CVE-2022-28141 include a plaintext storage vulnerability associated with the Proxmox Datacenter password in Jenkins Proxmox Plugin versions up to 0.5.0.

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins Proxmox Plugin 0.5.0 and earlier versions store the Proxmox Datacenter password without encryption in the global config.xml file on the Jenkins controller, potentially exposing it to users with access to the file system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Jenkins Proxmox Plugin versions up to 0.5.0, leaving them susceptible to the exposure of the Proxmox Datacenter password.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2022-28141 involves accessing the unencrypted Proxmox Datacenter password stored in the config.xml file on the Jenkins controller, which could be viewed by users with appropriate system access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-28141, immediate actions should be taken to secure the Proxmox Datacenter password and implement preventive measures to enhance the overall security posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to update Jenkins Proxmox Plugin to a secure version that addresses the plaintext storage vulnerability and to secure access to the config.xml file to prevent unauthorized viewing of sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should enforce secure password management practices, including encryption of sensitive data, regular security assessments, and employee training on cybersecurity best practices.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor security advisories from Jenkins project and apply patches or updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-28141 and enhance the security of the Jenkins environment.