CVE-2025-31721 in Jenkins
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2025
A missing permission check in Jenkins 2.503 and earlier, LTS 2.492.2 and earlier allows attackers with Computer/Create permission but without Computer/Configure permission to copy an agent, gaining access to encrypted secrets in its configuration.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
This vulnerability exists within Jenkins continuous integration and delivery platform where a critical permission oversight allows unauthorized privilege escalation. The flaw affects versions up to and including Jenkins 2.503 and LTS 2.492.2, creating a significant security gap in the access control mechanisms. Attackers with minimal privileges can exploit this weakness to escalate their access level and obtain sensitive information. The vulnerability specifically relates to the agent copying functionality where proper authorization checks are missing, allowing malicious actors to bypass normal security boundaries. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege that forms the foundation of secure system design.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation during the agent copying process. When a user with Computer/Create permission attempts to copy an agent, the system fails to verify whether the user possesses the necessary Computer/Configure permission required to access the sensitive configuration data. This missing authorization check creates an exploitable path where attackers can leverage their limited privileges to gain access to encrypted secrets stored within agent configurations. The flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic insufficient authorization issue that can be categorized under CWE-863, which addresses "Incorrect Authorization." The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to perform operations that should require higher privilege levels, creating a pathway for information disclosure and potential system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to include potential system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can access encrypted secrets that may include credentials, API keys, and other sensitive configuration parameters stored within agent configurations. This access could enable further attacks including lateral movement within the system, privilege escalation to other components, and potential data exfiltration. The vulnerability affects organizations using Jenkins for automated build and deployment processes where agents may contain credentials for accessing production systems, databases, and other critical infrastructure components. The risk is particularly high in environments where Jenkins is used for continuous integration and deployment workflows that require access to multiple systems and services.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to Jenkins versions that address this vulnerability, specifically versions beyond 2.503 for the main release and 2.492.3 for the LTS version. Additionally, administrators should review and tighten permission assignments to ensure that users with Computer/Create permission do not inadvertently gain access to sensitive configuration data through agent copying operations. The principle of least privilege should be strictly enforced, and access controls should be regularly audited to prevent unauthorized escalation paths. Security teams should also monitor for any suspicious agent copying activities and implement logging and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through unauthorized access to system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and additional access controls to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts.