A security issue was discovered in ingress-nginx where the `rules.http.paths.path` Ingress field can be used to inject configuration into nginx. This can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the ingress-nginx controller, and disclosure of Secrets accessible to the controller. (Note that in the default installation, the controller can access all Secrets cluster-wide.)
This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.8, categorizing it as high severity. The implications are significant, as attackers may leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The exploitability of this vulnerability has been flagged as high, indicating that it is crucial for organizations to assess their environments for potential exposure. Given that ingress-nginx is commonly used in Kubernetes environments, the risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to critical resources.
For those using ingress-nginx, the urgency to address this vulnerability cannot be overstated. Organizations should evaluate their deployment configurations and apply the necessary updates to mitigate associated risks.
Vulnerability Details
A security issue was discovered in ingress-nginx where the `rules.http.paths.path` Ingress field can be used to inject configuration into nginx. This can lead to arbitrary code execution in the context of the ingress-nginx controller, and disclosure of Secrets accessible to the controller. (Note that in the default installation, the controller can access all Secrets cluster-wide.)
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, indicating improper input validation. The CVSS score of 8.8 is attributed to its high potential for exploitation, which can severely impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
The vulnerability is present in all versions of ingress-nginx prior to the vendor patch. Organizations must keep their installations updated to mitigate this risk.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insufficient validation of the Ingress field. Specifically, the `rules.http.paths.path` field allows for unvalidated input that can manipulate nginx configurations. This flaw makes it possible for attackers to inject malicious configurations, leading to arbitrary code execution.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, with low complexity in execution. Attackers require low privileges and do not need user interaction to exploit the vulnerability. The potential impacts include high confidentiality, integrity, and availability risks.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world impact of this vulnerability extends to any organization utilizing ingress-nginx. Given that the controller can access all secrets cluster-wide, the potential for unauthorized access is substantial, increasing the blast radius significantly.
Organizations should evaluate their risk exposure and prioritize remediation of this vulnerability based on its high CVSS score and the critical nature of the assets involved. Ignoring this vulnerability could lead to severe data breaches and operational disruptions.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions prior to vendor patch are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should monitor their deployments and ensure that updates are applied promptly.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should implement the following remediation steps:
1. Patch ingress-nginx to the latest version that addresses this vulnerability.
2. Review and harden ingress configurations to prevent configuration injections.
3. Implement network controls to limit exposure of ingress-nginx controllers.
For more information on best practices for penetration testing and security assessments, organizations can refer to penetration testing services.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activity related to ingress-nginx configurations, including unexpected changes in paths or rules. Behavioral anomalies should also be investigated, particularly those indicating unauthorized access or attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the ongoing challenges associated with managing ingress controllers in cloud-native environments. As organizations increasingly rely on these technologies, understanding the implications of configuration vulnerabilities becomes paramount.
Security teams should stay informed about similar vulnerabilities and adopt a proactive stance towards security assessments. For further insights into security best practices, organizations can explore penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design resources to enhance their security posture.
Additionally, for cloud environments, organizations should consider reviewing their cloud penetration testing strategies to ensure comprehensive security coverage.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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