CVE-2025-53673 identifies a vulnerability in the Jenkins Sensedia Api Platform tools Plugin version 1.0, where the Sensedia API Manager integration token is stored in plaintext within the global configuration file on the Jenkins controller. This token is critical for authenticating and integrating with the Sensedia API Manager, and its exposure can lead to unauthorized API access. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of sensitive credentials (CWE-311: Missing Encryption of Sensitive Data). Since the token is stored unencrypted, any user with access to the Jenkins controller's file system can retrieve it without needing elevated privileges beyond those required to access the file system. The CVSS score of 6.5 (medium severity) reflects the fact that the attack vector is network-based, requires low privileges, and does not require user interaction, but the impact is limited to confidentiality compromise without affecting integrity or availability. There are no known public exploits yet, but the risk remains significant due to the sensitive nature of the token. The vulnerability highlights a common security oversight in CI/CD environments where sensitive integration tokens are stored insecurely, increasing the attack surface for lateral movement or API abuse. Remediation requires securing the Jenkins controller environment, encrypting stored tokens, and applying secure credential management practices.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a risk of credential leakage that can lead to unauthorized access to the Sensedia API Manager, potentially allowing attackers to manipulate API configurations, access sensitive data, or disrupt API integrations. Given Jenkins' widespread use in DevOps pipelines across Europe, especially in sectors like finance, manufacturing, and technology, the exposure of integration tokens could facilitate further attacks on critical infrastructure or intellectual property. The compromise of API management credentials may also undermine compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, as unauthorized API access could lead to data breaches involving personal data. Additionally, insider threats or attackers who gain limited access to Jenkins controllers could exploit this vulnerability to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network. The absence of integrity and availability impacts reduces the risk of direct service disruption, but confidentiality loss alone is significant given the sensitive nature of API tokens.

European organizations should implement strict access controls on Jenkins controller file systems to ensure only trusted administrators can access configuration files. Employing file system encryption or Jenkins credential plugins that securely store secrets rather than plaintext files is critical. Organizations should audit and rotate Sensedia API Manager tokens regularly to limit exposure time if leaked. Monitoring Jenkins controller access logs for unusual file access patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. Additionally, updating or patching the plugin once a fixed version is released is essential. Until then, consider isolating Jenkins controllers in segmented network zones with limited user access. Implementing role-based access control (RBAC) within Jenkins to minimize the number of users with file system access reduces risk. Finally, educating DevOps teams about secure secret management practices and integrating secrets vault solutions can prevent similar vulnerabilities.