CVE-2023-2196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-2196 was assigned by SNPS and published on May 16, 2023. It involves a missing permission check in Jenkins Code Dx Plugin version 3.1.0 and earlier, allowing attackers with Item/Read permission to check for the existence of a specified file path on an agent file system.

Understanding CVE-2023-2196

This section will provide an overview of the CVE-2023-2196 vulnerability and its impacts on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-2196?

CVE-2023-2196 pertains to a vulnerability in Jenkins Code Dx Plugin, where a missing permission check enables attackers with specific permissions to check for the existence of a file path on an agent file system. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CAPEC-126 Path Traversal.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2196

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity according to the CVSS base score of 4.3. It allows attackers with certain permissions to potentially exploit the system by checking for the existence of specific file paths, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2196

Delving into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2196 focuses on the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Jenkins Code Dx Plugin version 3.1.0 and earlier results from a missing permission check, enabling attackers with Item/Read permission to search for specific file paths on an agent file system. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access and data exposure.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Jenkins Code Dx Plugin versions up to and including 3.1.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users of these versions are susceptible to exploitation if attackers possess Item/Read permission.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers who have the necessary permissions can leverage this vulnerability to probe for the existence of specific files on the agent file system. By exploiting this flaw, unauthorized access to critical data or system resources is possible.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-2196 is crucial to ensure system security and data integrity.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately updating Jenkins Code Dx Plugin to a patched version beyond 3.1.0 is recommended to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, reviewing and restricting permissions for users can help prevent unauthorized file path checks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust security policy that includes regular security audits, user permissions reviews, and employee awareness training on secure coding practices can enhance long-term security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring security advisories from Jenkins and other software providers for patches and updates is essential to address vulnerabilities promptly. Timely implementation of patches helps safeguard systems against potential exploits.