CVE-2017-1002102 in Kubernetes
Summary
by MITRE
In Kubernetes versions 1.3.x, 1.4.x, 1.5.x, 1.6.x and prior to versions 1.7.14, 1.8.9 and 1.9.4 containers using a secret, configMap, projected or downwardAPI volume can trigger deletion of arbitrary files/directories from the nodes where they are running.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/21/2023
This vulnerability exists in kubernetes container orchestration platform where containers running with specific volume types can exploit a flaw in the volume mounting mechanism to delete arbitrary files on the host node. The issue affects versions 1.3.x through 1.6.x and prior to 1.7.14, 1.8.9, and 1.9.4, representing a critical security gap that allows privilege escalation from container level to host system level. The vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of volume mount paths during the mounting process, particularly when dealing with secret, configMap, projected, and downwardAPI volume types that are commonly used for injecting configuration data into containers.
The technical flaw occurs when containers mount these specific volume types and subsequently perform operations that can manipulate the underlying filesystem paths. An attacker can exploit this by creating malicious volume mounts that reference paths outside of the intended container scope, effectively allowing file deletion operations on the host filesystem. This represents a direct violation of container isolation principles and enables attackers to compromise the host node where the container is running. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 as Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory, which is a well-known weakness in access control and path validation mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary file deletion operations on host nodes, potentially leading to complete system compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to remove critical system files, configuration data, or even entire directories that may contain sensitive information or system binaries. This capability undermines the fundamental security model of containerization where containers should be isolated from the host system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments where one compromised container could potentially affect other workloads running on the same host node, making it a significant concern for cloud providers and enterprise environments.
Mitigation strategies include upgrading to patched versions of kubernetes where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper path validation and restriction of volume mount operations. Organizations should also implement strict pod security policies that limit the types of volumes that can be mounted and enforce least privilege principles for container operations. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual file deletion patterns can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070.004 for file deletion, making it relevant to both container escape and host-level persistence techniques. Regular security audits of kubernetes clusters and implementation of automated patch management processes are essential to prevent exploitation of this and similar vulnerabilities in container orchestration environments.