CVE-2023-39154 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A security vulnerability, CVE-2023-39154, has been identified in Jenkins Qualys Web App Scanning Connector Plugin version 2.0.10 and earlier. Attackers with specific permissions can exploit this vulnerability to connect to a URL with specified credentials, potentially compromising sensitive data stored in Jenkins.

Understanding CVE-2023-39154

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-39154 vulnerability in Jenkins Qualys Web App Scanning Connector Plugin.

What is CVE-2023-39154?

The CVE-2023-39154 vulnerability stems from incorrect permission checks in Jenkins Qualys Web App Scanning Connector Plugin versions up to 2.0.10. It allows malicious actors with global Item/Configure permission to establish a connection to a targeted URL using specified credentials IDs. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in Jenkins.

The Impact of CVE-2023-39154

The impact of CVE-2023-39154 is significant, as it enables attackers to leverage the vulnerability to extract potentially sensitive data from affected Jenkins instances. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in a breach of confidentiality and integrity within the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-39154

In this section, we delve into the technical specifics of the CVE-2023-39154 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of proper permission validation in Jenkins Qualys Web App Scanning Connector Plugin versions prior to 2.0.10. Attackers with the necessary permissions can misuse this flaw to access and extract sensitive credentials stored in Jenkins.

Affected Systems and Versions

Jenkins Qualys Web App Scanning Connector Plugin versions up to 2.0.10 are affected by CVE-2023-39154. Users utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-39154 requires attackers to have global Item/Configure permission in Jenkins. By leveraging this permission, adversaries can establish connections to specified URLs with corresponding credentials IDs, potentially leading to credential theft.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the actions that organizations and users can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-39154.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately following the identification of CVE-2023-39154, users are advised to restrict permissions within Jenkins to limit the impact of the vulnerability. Additionally, it is crucial to monitor for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the long-term security posture, organizations should regularly review and update their Jenkins instances, ensuring that all software components are up to date. Implementing least privilege principles and conducting security assessments can also help fortify defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users are strongly encouraged to apply patches provided by Jenkins Project to address the CVE-2023-39154 vulnerability. Keeping software and plugins updated with the latest security fixes is instrumental in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities.