CVE-2025-53658 is a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the Jenkins Applitools Eyes Plugin version 1.16.5 and earlier. Jenkins is a widely used open-source automation server that facilitates continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). The Applitools Eyes Plugin integrates visual testing capabilities into Jenkins pipelines by connecting to the Applitools service. This vulnerability arises because the plugin fails to properly escape the Applitools URL displayed on the Jenkins build page. Specifically, when users with Item/Configure permission input or modify the Applitools URL, malicious scripts can be injected and stored within the Jenkins server. When other users view the affected build page, the malicious script executes in their browsers, leading to potential session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have Item/Configure permissions, which typically means they have some level of administrative or configuration rights on the Jenkins instance. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the stored XSS nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly dangerous because the malicious payload persists and can affect multiple users over time. The absence of a CVSS score suggests this is a newly published vulnerability, and the technical details indicate it was reserved and published in July 2025. Given Jenkins' critical role in software development pipelines, exploitation could disrupt development workflows and compromise sensitive build and deployment data.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be significant, especially for enterprises relying heavily on Jenkins for their CI/CD processes. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized script execution within Jenkins, potentially allowing attackers to steal credentials, manipulate build configurations, or inject malicious code into software artifacts. This could undermine the integrity of software supply chains, leading to downstream security incidents. Additionally, compromised Jenkins instances may expose sensitive project information or intellectual property. Given the collaborative nature of Jenkins environments, the stored XSS could affect multiple users, amplifying the risk. Organizations in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure in Europe face heightened risks due to stringent compliance requirements around data protection and software integrity. Disruption or compromise of build pipelines could also delay software releases, impacting business operations and competitiveness.

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should immediately upgrade the Jenkins Applitools Eyes Plugin to a version where the vulnerability is patched once available. Until a patch is released, organizations should restrict Item/Configure permissions strictly to trusted administrators to minimize the risk of malicious input. Implementing web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block XSS payloads targeting Jenkins interfaces can provide additional protection. Regularly auditing Jenkins plugin configurations and monitoring build page content for suspicious scripts or anomalies is advised. Organizations should also consider isolating Jenkins instances within secure network segments and enforcing strong authentication and authorization controls. Educating Jenkins users about the risks of injecting untrusted URLs or scripts and enforcing secure coding and configuration practices will further reduce exposure. Finally, integrating security scanning tools that detect XSS vulnerabilities in CI/CD environments can help identify similar issues proactively.