CVE-2019-16541
📋 TL;DR
The Jenkins JIRA Plugin vulnerability allows users with folder-level permissions to access and use system-scoped credentials, bypassing intended access controls. This affects Jenkins instances using JIRA Plugin version 3.0.10 or earlier. Attackers could escalate privileges and access sensitive credentials.
💻 Affected Systems
- Jenkins JIRA Plugin
📦 What is this software?
Jira by Jenkins
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Attackers gain full system access using stolen credentials, potentially compromising the entire Jenkins instance and connected systems.
Likely Case
Unauthorized users access and misuse credentials for JIRA integration, leading to data exposure and privilege escalation.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper credential scoping and access controls in place.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some user permissions but is straightforward once access is obtained.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.0.11 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://jenkins.io/security/advisory/2019-11-21/#SECURITY-1106
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update Jenkins JIRA Plugin to version 3.0.11 or later via Jenkins Plugin Manager. 2. Restart Jenkins instance. 3. Verify plugin version in Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable JIRA Plugin
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable plugin until patching is possible.
Navigate to Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins > Installed tab, find JIRA Plugin, click Disable
Restrict Folder Permissions
allTighten folder-level permissions to limit user access to credential configurations.
Configure folder permissions via Manage Jenkins > Configure Global Security > Project-based Matrix Authorization Strategy
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Review and audit all system-scoped credentials for unauthorized usage.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate Jenkins from critical systems.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check JIRA Plugin version in Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins > Installed tab. If version is 3.0.10 or earlier, system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Jenkins web interface at Manage Jenkins > Manage Plugins > Installed tab for JIRA Plugin version.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm JIRA Plugin version is 3.0.11 or later in plugin manager and test JIRA integration functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual credential usage patterns in Jenkins logs
- Failed authentication attempts for system-scoped credentials
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected JIRA API calls from Jenkins instance
- Anomalous outbound connections to JIRA systems
SIEM Query:
source="jenkins" AND (event="credential_usage" OR event="authentication_failure") AND credential_scope="system"