External risk intelligence

Jenkins CLI Remote Code Execution.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2017-1000353

Jenkins automation servers face a remote code execution risk. An attacker could exploit this by sending a crafted Java object to the CLI, potentially leading to unauthorized system access and data compromise. Organizations should address this to protect business operations and data integrity.

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Jenkins

2.56 and earlier2.46.1 and earlier1.9.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2017-1000353

The vulnerability resides in the Jenkins CLI, which is a core component of Jenkins automation servers. Jenkins instances are frequently deployed as internet-facing services or gateways to facilitate CI/CD workflows, making the management and command-line interfaces commonly reachable in network-accessible environments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Jenkins, a widely used automation server, has a vulnerability that could allow unauthorized remote code execution. This flaw involves the improper handling of serialized Java objects sent to the Jenkins Command Line Interface (CLI). Successful exploitation could enable attackers to gain control of vulnerable systems, potentially leading to significant business disruption and data compromise.

  • Vulnerable Jenkins CLI component
  • Improper deserialization of Java objects
  • Unauthorized remote code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code on a Jenkins server. The attack targets the Jenkins Command Line Interface (CLI) by sending a specially crafted Java object. This object bypasses security measures, leading to the execution of malicious code with the privileges of the Jenkins process. The impact can include unauthorized access, data theft, or disruption of services.

  • Network-accessible Jenkins CLI.
  • Attacker sends a serialized `SignedObject`.
  • Bypasses protections, allows code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A critical vulnerability exists in Jenkins, potentially allowing attackers to execute code remotely. This could enable unauthorized access and manipulation of systems and data. Organizations using affected Jenkins versions should consider this a high-priority issue requiring immediate attention.

  • Likely attacker skill level: High
  • Required access or conditions: None
  • Business risk or urgency: High

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote code execution, posing a significant risk to affected organizations. Attackers can exploit this by sending a specially crafted Java object to the Jenkins CLI. Organizations should prioritize addressing this risk to protect their systems and data from potential compromise and maintain business continuity.

  • Identify Jenkins instances and associated CLI usage.
  • Restrict Jenkins CLI access.
  • Implement vendor updates and validate.
  • Monitor for related anomalous activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is Jenkins and what is it used for?

Jenkins is an open-source automation server that is widely used for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) of software. It helps automate tasks in the software development lifecycle, such as building, testing, and deploying applications.

What is CVE-2017-1000353 and what type of weakness does it represent?

CVE-2017-1000353 is a critical vulnerability in Jenkins that allows for unauthenticated remote code execution. The weakness is classified as CWE-502, which relates to the deserialization of untrusted data. In this case, an attacker could send a serialized Java `SignedObject` to the Jenkins CLI, bypassing security measures.

How can an attacker exploit this Jenkins vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a serialized Java `SignedObject` to the Jenkins Command Line Interface (CLI). This specially crafted object is deserialized in a way that bypasses existing protection mechanisms, allowing the attacker to execute code remotely on the Jenkins server.

Who should be concerned about this Jenkins vulnerability?

Organizations that use Jenkins, especially those with internet-facing Jenkins instances or those that expose their Jenkins CLI to the network, should be concerned. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this vulnerability is likely exposed externally, meaning attackers could potentially reach it from the internet.

What are the first steps to address this Jenkins vulnerability?

The first steps for organizations running affected Jenkins versions include identifying all Jenkins instances and understanding their CLI usage. It's recommended to restrict access to the Jenkins CLI, apply vendor-provided updates, and validate that these updates have been successfully implemented.

References