CVE-2025-31726 in Stack Hammer Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 04/02/2025
Jenkins Stack Hammer Plugin 1.0.6 and earlier stores Stack Hammer API keys unencrypted in job config.xml files on the Jenkins controller where they can be viewed by users with Extended Read permission, or access to the Jenkins controller file system.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-31726 affects the Jenkins Stack Hammer Plugin version 1.0.6 and earlier, presenting a critical security risk through improper credential handling within the Jenkins ecosystem. This issue resides in the plugin's configuration storage mechanism where sensitive API keys are persistently stored in plain text format within job configuration files. The flaw directly violates fundamental security principles by failing to implement proper encryption or obfuscation techniques for storing authentication credentials, thereby creating an inherent exposure vector that can be exploited by unauthorized parties.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the plugin's design decision to store Stack Hammer API keys in the standard Jenkins job configuration files without any form of encryption or access control measures. When users configure jobs that utilize the Stack Hammer plugin, the API keys are written directly to the config.xml file on the Jenkins controller's file system. This approach creates a persistent storage mechanism where credentials remain accessible in cleartext, making them vulnerable to extraction through multiple attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically targets users who possess Extended Read permission on the Jenkins controller, which according to the ATT&CK framework represents a privilege escalation pathway that can lead to broader system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by both internal and external adversaries. An attacker with Extended Read permissions can directly access job configuration files and extract API keys, potentially gaining unauthorized access to Stack Hammer services and associated cloud resources. This exposure can lead to unauthorized resource consumption, data breaches, and privilege escalation within the targeted infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and represents a failure in secure credential management practices that violates industry standards for information security. The risk is amplified when considering that Jenkins controllers often serve as central management points for multiple projects and services, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their access to broader system resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through plugin updates to version 1.0.7 or later, which addresses the unencrypted credential storage issue. Organizations must implement strict access controls and privilege management to limit Extended Read permissions to only essential personnel. The Jenkins controller's file system should be secured through proper access controls, file permissions, and regular security audits. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Jenkins' built-in credential management features and encryption mechanisms, ensuring that all sensitive information is properly protected through established security frameworks. The remediation process should include comprehensive monitoring of access patterns to configuration files and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other plugins or system components.