CVE-2019-3682 in CaaS Platform
Summary
by MITRE
The docker-kubic package in SUSE CaaS Platform 3.0 before 17.09.1_ce-7.6.1 provided access to an insecure API locally on the Kubernetes master node.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-3682 represents a critical security flaw in the SUSE CaaS Platform 3.0 implementation where the docker-kubic package fails to properly secure its local API endpoints on Kubernetes master nodes. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and authentication mechanisms that allow unauthorized local access to sensitive administrative interfaces. The vulnerability exists within the container orchestration platform's master node components, specifically affecting how the docker-kubic package manages its local API exposure. The insecure API access creates a significant attack surface that could be exploited by malicious actors with local system access, potentially leading to complete compromise of the container orchestration environment. This type of vulnerability directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and network segmentation that are essential for protecting critical infrastructure components.
The technical flaw manifests as a lack of proper authentication and authorization controls within the docker-kubic package implementation. The insecure API endpoint operates without adequate access restrictions, allowing any local user to interact with administrative functions that should be protected. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization controls, which maps to CWE-285, where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local node level, meaning that any user with local shell access can potentially exploit this weakness. The API endpoint likely exposes functionality related to container management, cluster configuration, or administrative operations that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or data compromise. This type of local API exposure violates standard security practices for containerized environments and creates an attack vector that aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script execution through local access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it could enable attackers to gain complete control over the Kubernetes master node and subsequently the entire container orchestration platform. An attacker could potentially modify cluster configurations, deploy malicious containers, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the environment. The vulnerability affects the core infrastructure of the SUSE CaaS Platform, potentially compromising the integrity and availability of containerized applications and services. Organizations relying on this platform would face significant risk of data breaches, service disruption, and potential compliance violations. The insecure API access could also facilitate lateral movement within the network, as the compromised master node often serves as a central point for cluster management and coordination. This vulnerability directly impacts the security posture of containerized environments and could lead to cascading failures throughout the platform's operational ecosystem.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-3682 should focus on immediate patching of the docker-kubic package to version 17.09.1_ce-7.6.1 or later, which addresses the insecure API access issue. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit local access to master nodes and ensure that only authorized personnel have physical or virtual access to these critical systems. Additional security controls should include monitoring for unauthorized API access attempts and implementing proper access logging for all administrative functions. The remediation process should involve thorough security assessment of all local API endpoints and implementation of proper authentication mechanisms. System administrators should also consider implementing additional layers of security such as mandatory access controls, privilege separation, and regular security audits of container orchestration environments. Organizations should review their overall security posture for containerized platforms and ensure compliance with security standards such as those defined in the CIS Kubernetes Benchmark and NIST SP 800-190. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper security configuration management for container orchestration platforms and the need for regular vulnerability assessments of all components within the infrastructure stack.