CVE-2023-40342 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This article provides details about CVE-2023-40342, a cross-site scripting vulnerability found in Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin.

Understanding CVE-2023-40342

This CVE involves an issue in Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin that allows attackers to exploit stored cross-site scripting vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2023-40342?

CVE-2023-40342 is a security vulnerability in Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin versions 1.2.2 and earlier. The flaw occurs due to the plugin not properly escaping JUnit test contents displayed on the Jenkins UI, opening the door to XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40342

The impact of this CVE is significant as it enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of an authenticated user on Jenkins that could lead to various attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40342

The technical details of CVE-2023-40342 include:

Vulnerability Description

Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin 1.2.2 and earlier fail to escape JUnit test contents, allowing stored cross-site scripting attacks by manipulating JUnit report file contents.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin versions 1.2.2 and below, where proper input validation is not performed, leading to XSS exploitations.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with the ability to control the JUnit report file contents can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts and conduct XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-40342, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jenkins Flaky Test Handler Plugin to version 1.2.3 or higher to eliminate the XSS vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to JUnit report files to prevent unauthorized alterations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and code reviews to identify and resolve similar vulnerabilities in plugins.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to ensure proper input validation and output escaping.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Jenkins Project to promptly apply patches and updates to vulnerable plugins.