The AWS Cloud Development Kit (AWS CDK) has a vulnerability concerning the use of IAM OIDC custom resource provider packages. This vulnerability allows the `tls.connect` method to always set `rejectUnauthorized: false`, which could expose users to potential security risks. Although this vulnerability is categorized as low severity, it is crucial for organizations using AWS CDK to understand the implications and act accordingly.
The vulnerability's CVSS score is 1.8, indicating a low severity level. However, the potential risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive information if users connect to untrusted OIDC providers without proper validation. To address this, AWS plans to implement a feature flag that will allow users to control the `rejectUnauthorized` setting.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The AWS CDK team is currently working on a fix, and users are encouraged to upgrade to CDK v2.177.0, which is expected to be released on February 22, 2025. Once upgraded, users must ensure that the feature flag '@aws-cdk/aws-iam:oidcRejectUnauthorizedConnections' is set to true in their configuration files to maintain a secure connection.
No public exploit has been confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not currently included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for any updates from AWS regarding this issue.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability arises from the AWS CDK's handling of unauthorized OIDC provider connections. Specifically, the current implementation of the `tls.connect` method does not reject unauthorized connections, which can lead to security concerns. AWS CDK should follow best practices by setting `rejectUnauthorized: true`, but this may disrupt existing applications. The decision to allow or disallow unauthorized connections should lie with the CDK users.
The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-347. The affected version is any version of AWS CDK below 2.177.0. The remediation involves upgrading to the specified version and configuring the feature flag appropriately.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the default setting of the `rejectUnauthorized` option to false in the `tls.connect` method. This allows the AWS CDK to accept connections from any OIDC provider without proper validation, which can expose users to Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, as it involves connections made over the internet. The attack complexity is classified as high, requiring attackers to have significant privileges and user interaction to exploit the vulnerability effectively.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity impacts are considered low. However, the potential for unauthorized access still exists, making it essential for users to take proactive measures to mitigate the risks. The AWS CDK operates primarily in a Lambda environment, which inherently provides some level of security against MITM attacks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability primarily involves the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information through untrusted OIDC providers. Since the AWS CDK is widely used for defining cloud infrastructure, organizations must be aware of the implications of accepting unauthorized connections.
Organizations should assess the blast radius of this vulnerability, as it could impact various applications relying on the AWS CDK. The urgency for remediation is low due to the low CVSS score, but organizations should still schedule remediation as part of their security practices.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of the AWS Cloud Development Kit prior to v2.177.0 are affected. It is recommended to upgrade to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, users should upgrade to AWS CDK v2.177.0, which is set to be released on February 22, 2025. After upgrading, ensure that the feature flag '@aws-cdk/aws-iam:oidcRejectUnauthorizedConnections' is set to true in the configuration files.
There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability at this time. Organizations should monitor for updates from AWS regarding the release and apply the patch as soon as it becomes available.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor log indicators for unauthorized OIDC connections and check for any anomalies in connection attempts to OIDC providers. Additionally, they should ensure that the feature flag setting is correctly applied after upgrading.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability underscores the importance of robust security practices when configuring cloud infrastructure. Organizations should adopt a proactive approach to security by regularly reviewing and updating configurations in line with best practices.
For additional insights, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to assess their cloud configurations and identify potential vulnerabilities.
Organizations should also stay informed about security advisories and ensure timely updates to their systems to mitigate risks effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)