CVE-2025-67637 is a security vulnerability identified in Jenkins, a widely used open-source automation server for continuous integration and delivery. The flaw exists in Jenkins versions 2.540 and earlier, including the Long-Term Support (LTS) release 2.528.2 and earlier. The vulnerability arises because build authorization tokens, which are critical credentials used to authenticate and authorize build jobs, are stored unencrypted within the job configuration files (config.xml) on the Jenkins controller. These tokens are intended to be secret and protect build processes from unauthorized access. However, because they are stored in plaintext, any user who has Item/Extended Read permission within Jenkins or access to the Jenkins controller's underlying file system can retrieve these tokens. This exposure can lead to unauthorized use of build tokens, potentially allowing attackers to trigger builds, access sensitive build environments, or escalate privileges within the Jenkins environment. The vulnerability does not require user interaction and can be exploited by any user with the specified permissions or file system access, making it a significant confidentiality risk. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a prime target for attackers once known. The issue stems from insecure storage practices within Jenkins and highlights the need for better credential management and access controls. No CVSS score has been assigned yet, but the vulnerability is critical to address due to the sensitive nature of the exposed tokens and the potential for lateral movement or privilege escalation within CI/CD pipelines.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of their software development and deployment pipelines. Jenkins is widely adopted across Europe, especially in countries with strong technology sectors such as Germany, the UK, France, and the Netherlands. Exposure of build authorization tokens can lead to unauthorized triggering of builds, insertion of malicious code, or access to internal resources, potentially compromising entire software supply chains. This can result in data breaches, intellectual property theft, disruption of development workflows, and damage to organizational reputation. The impact is heightened in regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where software integrity and security are paramount. Additionally, organizations with multi-tenant Jenkins instances or those that grant broad read permissions increase their risk exposure. The vulnerability also raises concerns about insider threats, as any user with read access can exploit this flaw. Given the central role of Jenkins in DevOps, exploitation could cascade into broader IT infrastructure compromise.

To mitigate CVE-2025-67637, European organizations should prioritize upgrading Jenkins to versions beyond 2.540 (and LTS beyond 2.528.2) where this vulnerability is addressed, ideally to the latest stable release that encrypts or otherwise secures build authorization tokens. Until upgrades are possible, organizations should audit and restrict Item/Extended Read permissions to the minimum necessary users, ensuring that only trusted personnel have access. File system permissions on the Jenkins controller should be tightly controlled to prevent unauthorized access to config.xml files. Implementing network segmentation and access controls around the Jenkins controller can reduce exposure. Additionally, organizations should rotate build authorization tokens regularly and monitor Jenkins logs for unusual access patterns or token usage. Employing secrets management solutions external to Jenkins for storing sensitive tokens can further reduce risk. Finally, conducting security awareness training for Jenkins administrators and developers about the risks of token exposure is recommended.