External risk intelligence

Jenkins Pipeline Plugin: Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2019-1003030

A sandbox bypass in the Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the Jenkins master. This impacts organizations using affected versions of the plugin, potentially leading to a compromise of the Jenkins environment and associated systems. The risk is associated with unauthorized code

4Halo Surface Signal

Jenkins Pipeline\

2.63 and earlier3.11

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2019-1003030

Jenkins is commonly deployed as a web-based automation server or CI/CD platform. While it often sits behind internal network controls, it is frequently configured as an internet-facing or remote-access-accessible service to facilitate distributed development workflows, integrations, and external pipeline triggers.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability in the Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin allowed for the bypass of security restrictions, enabling unauthorized code execution. This flaw could permit attackers who can influence pipeline scripts to run arbitrary commands on the Jenkins master system. Such an ability could lead to a significant compromise of the Jenkins environment and any connected systems.

  • Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin
  • Sandbox security bypass
  • Arbitrary code execution on Jenkins master

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows an attacker who can control pipeline scripts to execute arbitrary code on the Jenkins master. This could lead to a compromise of the Jenkins environment. The attack leverages a sandbox bypass within the Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy Plugin.

  • Exposure condition: Attacker controls pipeline scripts.
  • Attacker starting point: Network access to Jenkins.
  • Trigger and result: Arbitrary code execution on Jenkins master.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability allows attackers with the ability to control pipeline scripts to execute arbitrary code on the Jenkins master. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over the Jenkins environment. The exploit is considered critical and should be treated with urgency due to the potential for significant business risk.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Ability to control pipeline scripts.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows unauthorized code execution on the Jenkins master if an attacker can control pipeline scripts. Organizations that utilize Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy Plugin versions prior to 2.63 face a critical risk that requires immediate attention. Remediation involves identifying affected systems, mitigating exposure, implementing vendor-supplied updates, and confirming the successful application of fixes to prevent further compromise.

  • Locate all Jenkins instances using the affected plugin.
  • Restrict pipeline script access and external network exposure.
  • Update the plugin, verify the fix, and monitor activity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin?

The Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin is a component of Jenkins, an automation server widely used for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD) in software development. It enables users to define build, test, and deployment pipelines as code using the Groovy programming language.

What is CVE-2019-1003030? What is the weakness class?

CVE-2019-1003030 is a critical vulnerability in the Jenkins Pipeline: Groovy plugin. The weakness is classified as a sandbox bypass (CWE-693), meaning it allowed attackers to circumvent security protections built into the plugin.

How can an attacker trigger this Jenkins vulnerability?

An attacker can trigger this vulnerability if they have the ability to control pipeline scripts within Jenkins. The vulnerability is not triggered by simply accessing Jenkins; it requires the attacker to influence or inject malicious code into the pipeline scripts themselves.

Who should care about CVE-2019-1003030 based on its exposure?

Organizations using Jenkins, especially those exposing it to the internet or allowing remote access for distributed development teams, should care. The Halo Surface Signal indicates Jenkins is often internet-facing or accessible remotely, making this vulnerability a significant concern for potentially exposed systems.

What are the first steps to respond to this Jenkins vulnerability?

First, identify all Jenkins instances using the affected Pipeline: Groovy plugin version (2.63 or earlier). Next, consider restricting access to pipeline script creation and limiting external network exposure. Finally, apply vendor-provided updates to remediate the vulnerability.

References