CVE-2020-2229 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Jenkins 2.251 and earlier, LTS 2.235.3 and earlier versions are affected by a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability due to unescaped tooltip content in help icons.

Understanding CVE-2020-2229

This CVE identifies a security issue in Jenkins that could allow malicious actors to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2020-2229?

CVE-2020-2229 is a vulnerability in Jenkins versions 2.251 and earlier, LTS 2.235.3 and earlier, where unescaped tooltip content in help icons can lead to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2020-2229

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-2229

Jenkins 2.251 and earlier, LTS 2.235.3 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the failure to properly escape tooltip content in help icons, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts.

Affected Systems and Versions

Jenkins versions 2.251 and earlier
LTS versions 2.235.3 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the tooltip content of help icons, which are then executed when users interact with the affected elements.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2020-2229.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jenkins to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to mitigate XSS risks.
Educate users on safe browsing practices to minimize the impact of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update Jenkins to ensure the latest security patches are applied.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Jenkins project has released security advisories and patches to fix the XSS vulnerability. Ensure timely installation of these updates to secure your Jenkins installation.