CVE-2020-2171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin 4.2 and earlier is susceptible to XML external entity (XXE) attacks due to a misconfiguration in its XML parser.

Understanding CVE-2020-2171

This CVE entry pertains to a security vulnerability in the Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin.

What is CVE-2020-2171?

CVE-2020-2171 highlights the failure of Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin versions 4.2 and below to secure its XML parser against XXE attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2171

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the XML parser misconfiguration, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data leakage, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2171

Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin 4.2 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The plugin fails to properly configure its XML parser, leaving it vulnerable to XXE attacks, specifically CWE-611: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin
Vendor: Jenkins project
Versions Affected: <= 4.2
Version Type: Custom

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious XML payloads to trigger XXE attacks, potentially leading to data exposure and system compromise.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2020-2171.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jenkins RapidDeploy Plugin to a secure version that addresses the XXE vulnerability.
Implement strict input validation to mitigate the risk of XML-based attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from Jenkins to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate any XML parsing vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Jenkins project to ensure the plugin is secure against XXE attacks.