CVE-2020-7014 in Elasticsearch
Summary
by MITRE
The fix for CVE-2020-7009 was found to be incomplete. Elasticsearch versions from 6.7.0 to 6.8.7 and 7.0.0 to 7.6.1 contain a privilege escalation flaw if an attacker is able to create API keys and also authentication tokens. An attacker who is able to generate an API key and an authentication token can perform a series of steps that result in an authentication token being generated with elevated privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/22/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2020-7014 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within the Elasticsearch security framework that emerged from an incomplete remediation effort. This issue specifically affects Elasticsearch versions ranging from 6.7.0 through 6.8.7 and 7.0.0 through 7.6.1, demonstrating how security patches can sometimes introduce new vulnerabilities when not thoroughly tested against all potential attack vectors. The flaw stems from the improper handling of authentication tokens and API key interactions, creating a scenario where an attacker can exploit the system's privilege management mechanisms to gain elevated access rights.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a complex interaction between API key generation and authentication token creation processes within the Elasticsearch security subsystem. When an attacker possesses the ability to both create API keys and generate authentication tokens, they can manipulate the system's internal privilege escalation pathways through a carefully orchestrated sequence of operations. This flaw operates at the intersection of multiple security controls, specifically targeting the authentication and authorization mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-284 which addresses improper access control, and it aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate system access.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-7014 is particularly severe as it allows attackers to bypass the intended security boundaries that protect Elasticsearch clusters from unauthorized access. Once exploited, this vulnerability enables attackers to generate authentication tokens with elevated privileges, effectively granting them administrative access to the affected Elasticsearch instances. This capability can lead to complete compromise of the data store, including unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion, while also providing attackers with the ability to manipulate security settings and access sensitive information. The vulnerability's exploitation requires only basic API key and authentication token creation capabilities, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal advanced skills.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through the application of the official patches released by Elasticsearch, which address the incomplete fix for CVE-2020-7009. The mitigation strategy involves upgrading to versions that contain the complete security fix, as well as implementing additional monitoring controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive assessments of their Elasticsearch deployments to identify any unauthorized API key creation or token generation activities that might indicate attempted exploitation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough regression testing for security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in access control systems can result in significant security breaches.