CVE-2022-41225 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Jenkins Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin version 1.0.24 and earlier. This plugin integrates Anchore's container image scanning capabilities into Jenkins, a widely used automation server for continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). The vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly escape content received from the Anchore engine API before rendering it in the Jenkins user interface. An attacker who can control or manipulate the API responses from the Anchore engine can inject malicious scripts that get stored and subsequently executed in the context of Jenkins users' browsers when they view the affected plugin's UI. This stored XSS can lead to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or other malicious actions within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability requires that the attacker have some level of control over the Anchore engine API responses, which implies a prerequisite of some access or compromise of the Anchore engine or its communication channel with Jenkins. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 5.4 (medium severity), reflecting that the attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, requiring privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R). The impact affects confidentiality and integrity but not availability, and the scope is changed (S:C), meaning the vulnerability affects components beyond the vulnerable plugin itself. No known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), a common class of XSS flaws. No official patches or fixes are linked in the provided data, so users should monitor Jenkins advisories for updates or consider mitigation strategies.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily in environments where Jenkins is used for CI/CD pipelines and the Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin is deployed. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of Jenkins users, potentially leading to credential theft, unauthorized pipeline modifications, or lateral movement within the development infrastructure. Given the critical role of CI/CD in software development and deployment, compromise here could lead to the injection of malicious code into production software, undermining software supply chain integrity. Organizations in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure) could face compliance risks if such an attack leads to data breaches or service disruptions. The requirement for attacker control over the Anchore engine API limits the attack surface but does not eliminate risk, especially if the Anchore engine is exposed or insufficiently secured. Additionally, the stored XSS nature means that multiple users with access to Jenkins could be affected once the malicious payload is stored, amplifying impact within collaborative teams.

1. Restrict and secure access to the Anchore engine API to trusted entities only, employing strong authentication and network segmentation to prevent unauthorized manipulation of API responses. 2. Monitor and audit Anchore engine logs and Jenkins plugin interactions for unusual or unexpected API responses that could indicate tampering. 3. Apply the principle of least privilege to Jenkins users and service accounts, limiting who can view or interact with the Anchore plugin UI to reduce exposure to stored XSS payloads. 4. Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers in Jenkins to mitigate the impact of XSS by restricting the execution of unauthorized scripts. 5. Regularly update Jenkins and its plugins; although no patch link is provided here, users should track Jenkins security advisories for a fix addressing this vulnerability. 6. Consider isolating the Jenkins environment or running the Anchore plugin in a sandboxed context to limit the scope of potential XSS exploitation. 7. Educate Jenkins users about the risks of clicking suspicious links or interacting with untrusted content within the Jenkins UI, as user interaction is required for exploitation. 8. If feasible, temporarily disable or remove the Anchore Container Image Scanner Plugin until a patch is available, especially in high-risk environments.