CVE-2016-8651 in openshift
Summary
by MITRE
An input validation flaw was found in the way OpenShift 3 handles requests for images. A user, with a copy of the manifest associated with an image, can pull an image even if they do not have access to the image normally, resulting in the disclosure of any information contained within the image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8651 represents a critical authorization bypass flaw within the OpenShift 3 container platform's image handling mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient input validation in the system's image request processing logic, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to protected container images. The flaw specifically affects how OpenShift 3 validates image manifest requests, allowing malicious actors to exploit the system's trust model and gain access to images that should be restricted based on user permissions.
This vulnerability operates through a fundamental breakdown in the platform's access control enforcement mechanism. When a user submits a request for a container image, the system should verify that the requesting entity has proper authorization to access the specific image manifest and its contents. However, the validation process fails to adequately authenticate or authorize the request based on the user's actual permissions, instead relying on potentially manipulated or pre-existing manifest data that may have been obtained through other means.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data exfiltration and information disclosure risks. An attacker who possesses a valid manifest copy can bypass the normal authentication and authorization checks, potentially gaining access to sensitive information contained within container images. This includes application code, configuration files, environment variables, and any other data stored within the container layers that would normally be protected by the platform's access controls.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates a classic authorization bypass scenario where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions, allowing users to perform actions they should not be permitted to execute. The vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which covers legitimate credentials for privilege escalation, as it enables unauthorized access through manipulated manifest data that appears legitimate to the system.
The security implications of this vulnerability are particularly severe in containerized environments where image repositories often contain sensitive production data, proprietary code, and configuration information. Organizations using OpenShift 3 may find their container image registries compromised, leading to potential intellectual property theft, system compromise through malicious code injection, or exposure of sensitive operational data. The vulnerability essentially undermines the fundamental security model of the platform by allowing unauthorized users to circumvent the normal access control mechanisms that protect container images.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-8651 should focus on implementing proper input validation and access control enforcement within the OpenShift 3 platform. Organizations must ensure that all image manifest requests undergo rigorous authentication and authorization checks before any image data is returned. This includes verifying that the requesting user has appropriate permissions for the specific image being accessed, regardless of whether they possess a manifest copy. System administrators should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of image access requests to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain audit trails for security investigations.