CVE-2023-6148 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-6148 was published by Qualys on January 9, 2024. It pertains to a possible XSS vulnerability in the Jenkins Plugin for Qualys Policy Compliance.

Understanding CVE-2023-6148

This CVE involves a security flaw in the Qualys Jenkins Plugin for Policy Compliance. The vulnerability exists in versions up to and including 1.0.5, allowing unauthorized users to exploit the plugin for XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2023-6148?

The CVE-2023-6148 refers to the vulnerability in the Qualys Jenkins Plugin for Policy Compliance. It arises from a missing permission check during connectivity checks to Qualys Cloud Services, enabling attackers to inject XSS payloads.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6148

The impact of this CVE is considered medium with a base score of 5.7 according to CVSS v3.1. The confidentiality impact is rated high, requiring user interaction for exploitation and having a low complexity for attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6148

This vulnerability stems from a lack of permission validation within the Qualys Jenkins Plugin for Policy Compliance. The flaw can be exploited by users with login access to configure rogue endpoints, leading to potential XSS attacks.

Vulnerability Description

The security flaw allows unauthorized users to inject XSS payloads via the plugin while processing response data, potentially compromising the integrity of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected version of the Qualys Jenkins Plugin for Policy Compliance is 1.0.5 and below, whereas version 1.0.6 is considered unaffected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with login credentials and access to configure or edit jobs can exploit this vulnerability to manipulate responses and inject malicious scripts to perform XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-6148, immediate actions should be taken to secure systems and prevent unauthorized access.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to version 1.0.6 or above of the Qualys Jenkins Plugin for Policy Compliance to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent potential XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict access controls, regular security audits, and employee training on secure coding practices can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by software vendors is crucial to maintaining a secure environment and protecting against known vulnerabilities. Users should stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly.

By addressing the CVE-2023-6148 vulnerability promptly and adopting robust security practices, organizations can reduce the risk of XSS attacks and safeguard their systems and data from potential exploitation.