CVE-2022-35976 in GitOps Tools
Summary
by MITRE • 08/18/2022
The GitOps Tools Extension for VSCode relies on kubeconfigs in order to communicate with Kubernetes clusters. A specially crafted kubeconfig leads to arbitrary code execution on behalf of the user running VSCode. Users relying on kubeconfigs that are generated or altered by other processes or users are affected by this issue. Please note that the vulnerability is specific to this extension, and the same kubeconfig would not result in arbitrary code execution when used with kubectl. Using only trust-worthy kubeconfigs is a safe mitigation. However, updating to the latest version of the extension is still highly recommended.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-35976 represents a critical security flaw within the GitOps Tools Extension for Visual Studio Code, specifically targeting the manner in which the extension processes kubeconfig files used for Kubernetes cluster communication. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the extension's kubeconfig parsing logic, creating a pathway for privilege escalation through maliciously crafted configuration files. The vulnerability manifests when the extension encounters a specially crafted kubeconfig that contains malicious command execution directives, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary code that executes with the privileges of the user running VSCode. This presents a significant risk in environments where developers may inadvertently use kubeconfigs generated by untrusted processes or created by other users who might have malicious intent. The flaw operates at the intersection of configuration management and code execution, making it particularly dangerous as it leverages legitimate user workflows while exploiting trust relationships within the development environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the extension's handling of kubeconfig files which contain cluster information, authentication details, and potentially command execution parameters. When processing these configurations, the extension fails to properly validate or sanitize the contents of the kubeconfig, particularly focusing on fields that might contain executable commands or shell directives. This behavior creates a code injection vector where attacker-controlled kubeconfig entries can contain malicious shell commands or scripts that get executed during normal extension operations. The vulnerability specifically affects the extension's ability to properly parse and validate the kubeconfig structure, allowing crafted entries to bypass normal security boundaries. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, specifically command and scripting interpreter execution, as the malicious code execution occurs through shell command injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, potentially allowing attackers to compromise entire development environments where VSCode is used for GitOps operations. An attacker who can influence or control kubeconfig files used by developers can gain access to sensitive cluster resources, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or further lateral movement within the infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in collaborative development environments where multiple developers share access to common kubeconfig files or where automated processes generate configurations that might be vulnerable to manipulation. The risk is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability is specific to the VSCode extension and does not affect direct kubectl usage, indicating that the issue is within the extension's processing logic rather than the underlying Kubernetes client libraries. Organizations relying on this extension for GitOps workflows face potential exposure when developers use kubeconfigs from untrusted sources or when automated tooling generates configurations that might contain malicious elements. The attack requires minimal prerequisites, as the vulnerability is triggered simply by loading a malicious kubeconfig file into the extension, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users might interact with shared development resources.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate action through updating to the latest version of the GitOps Tools Extension for VSCode, as this addresses the core parsing logic flaws that enable the code execution. Organizations should implement strict governance over kubeconfig file generation and distribution, ensuring that only trusted sources can provide configuration files to developers. The recommended approach of using only trustworthy kubeconfigs serves as an effective defense in depth measure, preventing exploitation even if other mitigations fail. Security teams should also consider implementing monitoring for suspicious kubeconfig file access patterns and establishing secure development practices that prevent unauthorized modification of configuration files. Additionally, developers should be trained to recognize potentially malicious kubeconfig entries and understand the risks associated with using configuration files from untrusted sources. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation and secure configuration handling in development tools, particularly those that interface with critical infrastructure components. Regular security assessments of development environment tools and extensions should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities that might exist in other components of the GitOps toolchain. Organizations should also consider implementing automated scanning for vulnerable extensions and maintaining up-to-date inventories of all development tools and their security status to prevent similar incidents in the future.