CVE-2022-0484 in Container Cloud Lens Extension
Summary
by MITRE • 02/05/2022
Lack of validation of URLs causes Mirantis Container Cloud Lens Extension before v3.1.1 to open external programs other than the default browser to perform sign on to a new cluster. An attacker could host a webserver which serves a malicious Mirantis Container Cloud configuration file and induce the victim to add a new cluster via its URL. This issue affects: Mirantis Mirantis Container Cloud Lens Extension v3 versions prior to v3.1.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-0484 represents a critical security flaw in the Mirantis Container Cloud Lens Extension, specifically impacting versions prior to v3.1.1. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify the legitimacy of URLs provided during the cluster sign-on process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and trust model exploitation, creating an avenue for malicious actors to manipulate user interactions with external services. The flaw essentially allows for arbitrary program execution through URL handling, bypassing normal browser-based authentication flows that users typically expect to remain secure and predictable.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a fundamental weakness in URL validation routines within the Mirantis Container Cloud Lens Extension. When users attempt to add a new cluster via a configuration file URL, the extension does not adequately validate the target URL before executing associated commands. This validation gap enables attackers to craft malicious configuration files that contain specially crafted URLs designed to trigger unintended program execution. The extension's failure to implement proper URL sanitization and protocol validation creates a path where external programs beyond the default browser can be invoked, potentially executing arbitrary code or redirecting users to malicious endpoints. This behavior directly violates standard security practices for web application input validation and demonstrates a lack of proper access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise potential through social engineering attacks. Attackers can host malicious web servers that serve specially crafted configuration files designed to exploit this flaw, leading to unauthorized program execution on victim systems. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization process within the Container Cloud environment, potentially allowing attackers to gain access to cluster management interfaces or redirect users to phishing sites. This issue creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the Lens Extension for Kubernetes cluster management, as it undermines the trust model between users and the extension's authentication mechanisms. The attack vector requires user interaction through the addition of a cluster, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed through seemingly legitimate configuration file downloads or shared links.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-0484 should focus on immediate version upgrades to v3.1.1 or later, which contain the necessary URL validation patches. Organizations should implement network-level controls to restrict access to external web resources during cluster configuration processes, particularly when dealing with untrusted configuration files. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of all systems using the affected extension, ensuring that proper input validation is enforced at all levels of the application stack. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which addresses "Improper Input Validation," and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in software design. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1566.001 (Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment) as potential attack vectors, demonstrating how insecure URL handling can enable both automated exploitation and social engineering campaigns. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting policies and enhanced monitoring of program execution patterns to detect unauthorized external program invocations that may indicate exploitation attempts.