What is the CVSS score of CVE-2025-7342?

CVE-2025-7342 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 (High). CVSS vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. EPSS exploitation probability: 0.0%.

Which versions of Kubernetes are affected by CVE-2025-7342?

Organizations using A security face notable risk from CVE-2025-7342, a hard-coded credentials vulnerability rated CVSS 7.5.

How to fix or mitigate CVE-2025-7342?

Within 30 days: Identify all affected systems and apply vendor patches as part of regular patch cycle. Audit authentication configurations and rotate any potentially compromised credentials.

Kubernetes CVE-2025-7342

HIGH

Use of Hard-coded Credentials (CWE-798)

2025-08-17 jordan@liggitt.net

Authentication Bypass Kubernetes Microsoft VMware Windows

7.5

CVSS 3.1 · NVD

Severity by source

NVD PRIMARY

7.5 HIGH

AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Primary rating from NVD · only source for this CVE.

CVSS VectorNVD

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector

Network

Attack Complexity

High

Privileges Required

None

User Interaction

Required

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

Lifecycle Timeline

Analysis Generated

Mar 28, 2026 - 19:07 vuln.today

CVE Published

Aug 17, 2025 - 23:15 nvd

HIGH 7.5

DescriptionCVE.org

A security issue was discovered in the Kubernetes Image Builder where default credentials are enabled during the Windows image build process when using the Nutanix or VMware OVA providers. These credentials, which allow root access, are disabled at the conclusion of the build. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if their nodes use VM images created via the Image Builder project and the vulnerability was exploited during the build process, which requires an attacker to access the build VM and modify the image while the build is in progress.

AnalysisAI

A security issue was discovered in the Kubernetes Image Builder where default credentials are enabled during the Windows image build process when using the Nutanix or VMware OVA providers. Rated high severity (CVSS 7.5), this vulnerability is remotely exploitable, no authentication required. No vendor patch available.

Technical ContextAI

This vulnerability is classified as Use of Hard-coded Credentials (CWE-798), which allows attackers to gain access using credentials embedded in source code. A security issue was discovered in the Kubernetes Image Builder where default credentials are enabled during the Windows image build process when using the Nutanix or VMware OVA providers. These credentials, which allow root access, are disabled at the conclusion of the build. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if their nodes use VM images created via the Image Builder project and the vulnerability was exploited during the build process, which requires an attacker to access the build VM and modify the image while the build is in progress.

Affected ProductsAI

See vendor advisory for affected versions.

RemediationAI

No vendor patch is available at time of analysis. Monitor vendor advisories for updates. Remove hard-coded credentials, use environment variables or secrets management, rotate exposed credentials immediately.