CVE-2024-33396 in karmada
Summary
by MITRE • 05/02/2024
An issue in karmada-io karmada v1.9.0 and before allows a local attacker to execute arbitrary code via a crafted command to get the token component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-33396 affects the karmada-io karmada orchestration platform version 1.9.0 and earlier, representing a critical local privilege escalation flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of token component commands. This issue resides within the karmada control plane components that handle authentication and authorization processes, specifically targeting the token retrieval mechanisms that are crucial for cluster management operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the token component execution flow, creating a pathway for local attackers to craft malicious commands that bypass normal security controls. The affected system architecture includes the karmada-apiserver and related control plane components that process token requests, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it operates at the core of the platform's authentication infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a command injection flaw in how the token component processes user-provided input parameters. When legitimate administrative commands attempt to retrieve or manage tokens, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the command arguments, allowing an attacker to inject malicious payloads that get executed within the context of the token component process. This type of vulnerability maps directly to CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, representing command injection and code injection weaknesses respectively, which are commonly exploited in containerized environments and orchestration platforms. The attack vector specifically targets local privilege escalation scenarios where an attacker already has access to the system but lacks elevated privileges, enabling them to escalate their access level and gain full control over the karmada control plane. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in multi-tenant environments where multiple users or applications interact with the same karmada instance.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of karmada deployments and creates potential for complete system takeover. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain elevated privileges within the karmada control plane, potentially enabling them to manipulate cluster configurations, access sensitive data, or deploy malicious workloads across the managed Kubernetes clusters. This vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can lead to unauthorized access to downstream Kubernetes clusters that are managed by karmada, creating a chain reaction of potential security breaches. The attack scenario typically involves a local user who can submit crafted commands to the token component, which then executes these commands with elevated privileges, potentially leading to complete compromise of the orchestration platform and all connected clusters.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-33396 require immediate attention and should include upgrading to karmada version 1.10.0 or later where the vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and command sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of token component usage patterns and establish strict access controls for local system users who have privileges to interact with karmada components. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary local access to token management interfaces and implementing proper command execution restrictions that prevent arbitrary command injection. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of existing karmada deployments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement network segmentation to limit the attack surface. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter) and T1548.001 (Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism), highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures that address both command execution and privilege escalation attack patterns. Additionally, organizations should establish regular security assessments of their orchestration platforms and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to identify similar vulnerabilities in related systems.