CVE-2023-28669 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-28669 pertains to a vulnerability in the Jenkins JaCoCo Plugin that could lead to a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. Attackers with the ability to manipulate input files for the 'Record JaCoCo coverage report' post-build action could potentially exploit this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2023-28669

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-28669.

What is CVE-2023-28669?

CVE-2023-28669 involves a security flaw in the Jenkins JaCoCo Plugin version 3.3.2 and earlier. The issue arises from the lack of escaping class and method names displayed on the user interface, making it susceptible to a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) exploit.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28669

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it opens up the possibility of remote attackers carrying out cross-site scripting attacks by manipulating input files for the specified post-build action within Jenkins.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28669

This section provides a deeper look into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28669.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Jenkins JaCoCo Plugin versions 3.3.2 and earlier stems from the failure to properly escape class and method names when presenting them on the interface. This oversight can be leveraged by malicious actors to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Jenkins JaCoCo Plugin versions up to and including 3.3.2 are impacted by this vulnerability. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of potential exploitation if proper mitigation measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers who can control the input files for the 'Record JaCoCo coverage report' post-build action in Jenkins could exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the class and method names, leading to a stored cross-site scripting attack.

Mitigation and Prevention

Outlined below are crucial steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-28669.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their Jenkins JaCoCo Plugin to a version beyond 3.3.2 to ensure the vulnerability is addressed.
It is recommended to sanitize and validate user inputs to prevent the execution of malicious scripts within the Jenkins environment.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Jenkins to stay informed about the latest patches and security enhancements.
Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to minimize the risk of vulnerabilities like XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by Jenkins for the JaCoCo Plugin and promptly apply them to safeguard the Jenkins environment against potential exploits.
Consider implementing automated security testing to detect and address vulnerabilities in plugins and configurations proactively.