CVE-2025-49598 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the conda-forge-ci-setup-feedstock package, specifically versions prior to 4.15.0. This package is used by conda-forge during continuous integration (CI) builds. The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of directives in dynamically evaluated code, classified under CWE-95 (Eval Injection). The root cause is the unsafe use of Python's eval function when parsing version information from a custom-formatted meta.yaml file. An attacker who can control or manipulate the meta.yaml file—by exploiting the RECIPE_DIR environment variable to introduce a malicious version assignment—can inject arbitrary Python code. This code is then executed during the processing of the recipe, leading to arbitrary code execution within the CI environment. Exploitation requires the attacker to have the ability to modify the recipe files used in the CI pipeline, which is generally a restricted operation and less likely in typical user environments. However, in CI/CD pipelines where multiple contributors or automated processes interact with build recipes, the risk is more tangible. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require low privileges (PR:L) and local access (AV:L), with high complexity (AC:H) to exploit. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high if exploited, as arbitrary code execution can lead to full compromise of the build environment. The vulnerability has been addressed in version 4.15.0 of the package, and users are advised to upgrade to this or later versions to mitigate the risk. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild.

For European organizations relying on conda-forge for CI/CD pipelines, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily in development and build environments. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code during automated builds, potentially injecting malicious payloads into software artifacts or compromising build infrastructure. This could lead to supply chain attacks, undermining software integrity and trust. Organizations with open or collaborative CI environments, especially those accepting external contributions or using shared build runners, are at higher risk. The impact extends to confidentiality (exposure of sensitive build environment data), integrity (tampering with build outputs), and availability (disruption of CI processes). Given the medium CVSS score and the requirement for local access and recipe modification, the threat is moderate but should not be underestimated in high-value or sensitive software supply chains.

1. Upgrade conda-forge-ci-setup-feedstock to version 4.15.0 or later immediately to apply the fix. 2. Restrict write access to CI recipe directories and environment variables such as RECIPE_DIR to trusted personnel and automated systems only. 3. Implement strict code review and validation processes for any changes to meta.yaml or other build recipe files to detect and prevent injection attempts. 4. Use isolated and ephemeral build environments to limit the impact of any potential code execution during builds. 5. Employ runtime monitoring and logging within CI pipelines to detect anomalous script execution or unexpected environment variable modifications. 6. Consider integrating static analysis or linting tools that can flag unsafe usage of eval or suspicious version strings in build recipes. 7. Educate developers and DevOps teams about the risks of eval injection and secure handling of build metadata.