CVE-2023-30521 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A missing permission check in Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin 1.1.13 and earlier allows unauthenticated attackers to trigger builds of jobs corresponding to the attacker-specified repository.

Understanding CVE-2023-30521

This CVE-2023-30521 involves a vulnerability in the Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin that enables unauthenticated attackers to initiate builds for jobs linked to a specified repository.

What is CVE-2023-30521?

CVE-2023-30521 refers to a security flaw in the Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin versions 1.1.13 and earlier. It permits unauthorized individuals to trigger job builds associated with a repository of their choosing.

The Impact of CVE-2023-30521

The vulnerability has the potential to be exploited by attackers who can trigger builds on Jenkins servers without authentication. This may lead to unauthorized access and execution of malicious actions within the CI/CD pipeline.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-30521

The following technical aspects outline the specifics of CVE-2023-30521:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing permission verification check in the affected versions of the Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin, allowing unauthenticated users to trigger job builds.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin
Affected Versions: 1.1.13 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation of this vulnerability involves unauthenticated individuals specifying a repository, triggering job builds within Jenkins servers without proper permission validation.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate action to address and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2023-30521.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Jenkins Assembla merge request builder Plugin to a patched version that includes the necessary permission checks.
Restrict network access to Jenkins servers to trusted entities only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a regular security audit of Jenkins plugins and configurations to identify and rectify potential vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of permission checks in CI/CD environments.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by the Jenkins Project to mitigate the vulnerability described in CVE-2023-30521.