CVE-2025-68704 identifies a cryptographic weakness in the Jervis library versions prior to 2.2, which is used to facilitate Job DSL plugin scripts and shared Jenkins pipeline libraries. The vulnerability arises from the use of java.util.Random(), a pseudo-random number generator that is not designed for cryptographic security. This insufficient randomness can be exploited through timing attacks, where an attacker analyzes the time taken to generate random values to predict future outputs. Such predictability can compromise security controls that depend on randomness, such as token generation, nonce creation, or other security-critical operations within Jenkins pipelines. The vulnerability has a CVSS 4.0 score of 8.2, indicating high severity, with network attack vector, high attack complexity, and no privileges or user interaction required. Although no known exploits are reported, the potential for attackers to leverage this flaw to undermine pipeline security exists. The issue is resolved in Jervis version 2.2, which replaces the insecure random number generator with a cryptographically secure alternative, mitigating timing attack risks. Organizations using Jenkins pipelines with Jervis versions below 2.2 should prioritize upgrading and review their pipeline security practices to ensure no sensitive operations rely on insecure randomness.

For European organizations, especially those heavily reliant on Jenkins for continuous integration and deployment, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Attackers exploiting this flaw could predict random values used in pipeline scripts, potentially allowing them to bypass security controls, forge tokens, or manipulate pipeline execution. This could lead to unauthorized code deployment, exposure of sensitive build information, or disruption of software delivery processes. Critical infrastructure sectors, financial institutions, and large enterprises with complex DevOps environments are particularly vulnerable due to their reliance on automated pipelines. The impact extends to the integrity and confidentiality of software development workflows, potentially enabling supply chain attacks or insertion of malicious code. Given the high CVSS score and the network-exploitable nature of the vulnerability, the threat landscape for European organizations is considerable if patches are not applied promptly.

The primary mitigation is to upgrade all instances of the Jervis library to version 2.2 or later, where the vulnerability is fixed by replacing java.util.Random() with a cryptographically secure random number generator. Organizations should audit their Jenkins pipeline scripts and Job DSL plugins to identify any reliance on insecure randomness and refactor them accordingly. Implementing runtime monitoring and anomaly detection on Jenkins servers can help identify unusual pipeline behaviors indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, restricting network access to Jenkins instances and enforcing strict access controls can reduce the attack surface. Regularly updating all Jenkins plugins and dependencies, combined with security training for DevOps teams on secure coding practices, will further mitigate risks. Finally, integrating security scanning tools that detect use of insecure randomness in pipeline scripts can proactively prevent similar vulnerabilities.