CVE-2021-21634 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin version 1.41 and earlier are affected by a vulnerability that stores passwords in an unencrypted format. This flaw allows users with access to the Jenkins controller file system to view these passwords.

Understanding CVE-2021-21634

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-21634 vulnerability in Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin.

What is CVE-2021-21634?

CVE-2021-21634 refers to the vulnerability in Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin version 1.41 and earlier. It allows unencrypted storage of passwords in the global configuration file, making them accessible to users with file system access on the Jenkins controller.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21634

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it exposes sensitive information such as passwords to unauthorized users, potentially leading to unauthorized access and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21634

In this section, we dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2021-21634.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves the unencrypted storage of passwords in the global configuration file of Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin version 1.41 and earlier, allowing unauthorized users to view these passwords.

Affected Systems and Versions

Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin version 1.41 and earlier are affected by this vulnerability, while later versions may not be impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the Jenkins controller file system can exploit this vulnerability by extracting the unencrypted passwords from the global configuration file.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2021-21634.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Jenkins Jabber (XMPP) notifier and control Plugin to a version beyond 1.41 that addresses this vulnerability. Additionally, consider changing any passwords stored in the global configuration file.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure password management practices, such as encryption and access control, to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Jenkins project and promptly apply patches and updates to eliminate known vulnerabilities.