CVE-2022-27211 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A missing permission check in Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin 2.3.1 and earlier versions allows attackers with Overall/Read permission to connect to an attacker-specified SSH server using attacker-specified credentials IDs obtained through another method, capturing credentials stored in Jenkins.

Understanding CVE-2022-27211

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin that can be exploited by attackers with specific permissions to connect to an SSH server and capture sensitive credentials.

What is CVE-2022-27211?

The vulnerability involves a missing permission check in the affected plugin that enables unauthorized users to access an SSH server and acquire confidential credentials stored in the Jenkins environment.

The Impact of CVE-2022-27211

This security flaw poses a significant risk to organizations using the Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin 2.3.1 and earlier versions. Attackers could potentially obtain sensitive data and compromise the security of the Jenkins deployment.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-27211

The technical details of CVE-2022-27211 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing/incorrect permission check in the Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin, allowing unauthorized access to SSH servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin versions less than or equal to 2.3.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with Overall/Read permissions can exploit this vulnerability to establish connections to specific SSH servers using compromised credentials.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-27211, the following steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Jenkins Kubernetes Continuous Deploy Plugin to a version that includes a fix for this vulnerability.
Monitor SSH server connections for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to restrict access to critical systems.
Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments on Jenkins plugins.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates to all Jenkins plugins and components to mitigate potential security risks.