CVE-2018-10843 in Container Platform
Summary
by MITRE
source-to-image component of Openshift Container Platform before versions atomic-openshift 3.7.53, atomic-openshift 3.9.31 is vulnerable to a privilege escalation which allows the assemble script to run as the root user in a non-privileged container. An attacker can use this flaw to open network connections, and possibly other actions, on the host which are normally only available to a root user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10843 resides within the source-to-image component of Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform, representing a critical privilege escalation flaw that undermines container security boundaries. This vulnerability affects versions prior to atomic-openshift 3.7.53 and 3.9.31, where the source-to-image functionality fails to properly enforce user privileges during the build process. The flaw specifically enables an assemble script to execute with root privileges within a container that was otherwise intended to operate as a non-privileged user, creating a significant security gap in the container orchestration environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper privilege handling within the build process where the source-to-image component does not adequately isolate the execution context of assemble scripts. When a container image is built using source-to-image, the system typically runs the assemble script with restricted privileges to prevent unauthorized access to host resources. However, in vulnerable versions, the privilege escalation allows the script to gain root-level access within the container environment, effectively bypassing the intended security model. This behavior aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privileges, and represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege in container security architecture.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it enables attackers to perform actions that would normally require root access on the host system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can establish network connections from the host level, potentially allowing for port scanning, data exfiltration, or even lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The ability to execute network operations as root user significantly increases the attack surface and potential damage scope. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through container escape and command and control through network communication, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant container environments where isolation is critical.
The security implications of CVE-2018-10843 are compounded by the fact that it operates within the build process of container images, meaning that any application or build configuration that utilizes source-to-image functionality becomes potentially compromised. Attackers can leverage this flaw during the image creation phase, embedding malicious code that maintains elevated privileges throughout the container lifecycle. Organizations using OpenShift platforms without the patched versions face significant risk, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including compromised build environments, malicious source code injection, or supply chain attacks. The remediation requires updating to the patched versions of atomic-openshift, specifically 3.7.53 and 3.9.31, which properly enforce privilege boundaries during source-to-image operations and prevent the unintended elevation of privileges during assemble script execution.