CVE-2025-31722 in Templating Engine Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2025
In Jenkins Templating Engine Plugin 2.5.3 and earlier, libraries defined in folders are not subject to sandbox protection, allowing attackers with Item/Configure permission to execute arbitrary code in the context of the Jenkins controller JVM.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31722 affects the Jenkins Templating Engine Plugin version 2.5.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk that undermines the sandboxing mechanisms designed to protect Jenkins controllers from malicious code execution. This flaw specifically targets the handling of libraries within folders, where the plugin fails to apply necessary security restrictions that would normally isolate potentially dangerous code from the core Jenkins environment. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and isolation of library components that are configured within folder structures, creating an attack vector that can be exploited by malicious actors with relatively limited permissions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers with just Item/Configure permission to bypass the intended sandbox protections that should normally restrict library execution to safe contexts. This permission level typically allows users to configure items within Jenkins but should not grant the ability to execute arbitrary code on the controller. The flaw occurs because the plugin does not properly enforce security boundaries when processing libraries defined in folder contexts, enabling attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the Jenkins controller JVM. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where limited access can be leveraged to achieve full control over the Jenkins server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for Jenkins environments that utilize the affected plugin. Attackers who can configure items within the Jenkins instance can potentially execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Jenkins controller process, which typically runs with high-level system permissions. This could enable attackers to access sensitive data, modify build configurations, steal credentials, or even compromise the entire Jenkins infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on folder-based library management within their Jenkins pipelines, potentially exposing critical CI/CD operations to unauthorized access and code execution. The impact extends beyond immediate code execution to include potential lateral movement within network environments where Jenkins serves as a central automation platform.
Organizations should immediately update their Jenkins Templating Engine Plugin to version 2.5.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updated plugin to ensure compatibility with existing Jenkins configurations and pipeline definitions. Security teams should also implement additional monitoring and access controls around folder-based library configurations, particularly in environments where multiple users have Item/Configure permissions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-78 and CWE-94 categories, representing a code injection flaw that allows arbitrary code execution, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their Jenkins configurations to identify and remediate any other potential privilege escalation vectors that may exist within their CI/CD infrastructure.