CVE-2023-25763 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25763 that affects the Jenkins Email Extension Plugin, specifically versions 2.93 and earlier. The vulnerability allows for a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack due to insufficient escaping of certain fields in bundled email templates. Attackers with the ability to control these affected fields could exploit this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-25763

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-25763, shedding light on the nature and impact of this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-25763?

CVE-2023-25763 is a security flaw found in the Jenkins Email Extension Plugin versions 2.93 and earlier. The vulnerability arises from a failure to properly escape certain fields within included email templates. This oversight can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25763

The impact of CVE-2023-25763 is significant as it opens the door for potential exploitation by threat actors who can manipulate the vulnerable fields. By successfully executing a stored XSS attack, attackers could compromise the integrity and security of the affected Jenkins instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25763

In this section, we will delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25763, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the Jenkins Email Extension Plugin (prior to version 2.94) stems from the failure to adequately escape certain fields contained within bundled email templates. This oversight allows malicious users to inject and execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to the theft of sensitive data or unauthorized actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems running Jenkins Email Extension Plugin versions 2.93 and earlier are susceptible to CVE-2023-25763. Specifically, versions equal to or less than 2.93 are impacted by this stored cross-site scripting vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-25763 involves crafting malicious input or payloads containing JavaScript code and injecting them into the vulnerable fields within email templates. When a user interacts with the compromised email content, the injected code gets executed in their browser, allowing the attacker to carry out harmful actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25763 and bolster the security posture of Jenkins instances, it is crucial to implement the following mitigation strategies and preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Jenkins Email Extension Plugin to version 2.94 or later to patch the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.
Review and sanitize input data to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks within email templates.
Educate users on identifying and avoiding suspicious or untrusted email content that may contain malicious scripts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Jenkins Project to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices to sanitize and validate user inputs across applications and plugins.
Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing to proactively identify and address security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by Jenkins Project to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of Jenkins-based environments. Regularly check for new patches and releases to stay protected against emerging threats.