CVE-2025-7342 Hardcoded credentials in Image Builder
Attackers with build VM access can use default Windows credentials to gain root access during image creation, requiring immediate patching of the builder.
- Exploited in the wild
- Not known
- Login needed
- Not needed
- Attackable
- Over the internet
- Victim action needed
- A user has to click or open something
- Fix
- None listed
What is CVE-2025-7342?
CVE-2025-7342 is a high-severity vulnerability in Kubernetes Image Builder, published on 17 Aug 2025. An attacker can exploit it over the internet without logging in, and only if a user opens a file or follows a link.
Official description
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.
Weakness: CWE-798
Which versions are affected by CVE-2025-7342?
How do I fix CVE-2025-7342?
No fix has been published for CVE-2025-7342 yet. Limit exposure of the affected software until one is available.
Is CVE-2025-7342 being exploited?
There is no known exploitation of CVE-2025-7342 in the wild and no public exploit code.
Sources
Also known as GHSA-4cww-rww7-fw7q.