CVE-2025-53676 identifies a vulnerability in the Jenkins Xooa Plugin version 0.0.7 and earlier, where the Xooa Deployment Token is stored in plaintext within the global configuration file on the Jenkins controller. This token is a sensitive credential used for deployments via the Xooa platform. Because the token is unencrypted, any user with access to the Jenkins controller's file system can read this token, leading to potential unauthorized access to deployment capabilities. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-311 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information). The CVSS v3.1 score is 6.5, indicating medium severity, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring privileges (PR:L) but no user interaction (UI:N). The impact is high on confidentiality (C:H) but none on integrity (I:N) or availability (A:N). The scope remains unchanged (S:U). No patches or exploits are currently reported, but the risk arises from insider threats or attackers who have already gained limited access to the Jenkins controller. This vulnerability highlights the risk of improper credential storage in CI/CD environments, which can lead to credential leakage and subsequent unauthorized deployments or access to connected systems.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of deployment credentials within Jenkins environments. Organizations using Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment, particularly those integrating with the Xooa platform, could have their deployment tokens exposed if file system access controls are lax. This could lead to unauthorized deployments, potentially injecting malicious code or disrupting software delivery pipelines. The impact is especially critical for sectors relying heavily on automated deployments such as finance, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure. Exposure of deployment tokens could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, increasing the risk of broader compromise. However, since exploitation requires at least low-level privileges on the Jenkins controller, the vulnerability is less likely to be exploited remotely without prior access. Nonetheless, insider threats or attackers who have compromised other parts of the network could leverage this vulnerability to escalate their access or cause operational disruptions.

To mitigate CVE-2025-53676, organizations should first restrict file system access to the Jenkins controller, ensuring only trusted administrators have access to configuration files. Implement strict role-based access controls (RBAC) and audit file access regularly. Rotate the Xooa Deployment Tokens immediately if they have been stored unencrypted, and consider revoking and regenerating tokens to prevent misuse. Upgrade the Jenkins Xooa Plugin to a version that addresses this vulnerability once available. If an updated plugin is not yet released, consider isolating the Jenkins controller in a secure network segment and use encryption or vault solutions to store sensitive tokens externally rather than in configuration files. Additionally, monitor Jenkins logs and system access logs for unusual activity that could indicate attempts to access sensitive files. Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools to detect potential insider threats or lateral movement. Finally, educate administrators about the risks of storing sensitive credentials in plaintext and enforce security best practices for credential management in CI/CD pipelines.