CVE-2024-9341 in Red Hat
Summary
by MITRE • 10/01/2024
A flaw was found in Go. When FIPS mode is enabled on a system, container runtimes may incorrectly handle certain file paths due to improper validation in the containers/common Go library. This flaw allows an attacker to exploit symbolic links and trick the system into mounting sensitive host directories inside a container. This issue also allows attackers to access critical host files, bypassing the intended isolation between containers and the host system.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-9341 represents a critical security flaw within the Go programming language ecosystem, specifically affecting container runtimes that utilize the containers/common Go library. This issue manifests when FIPS mode is enabled on a system, creating a dangerous condition where file path validation becomes compromised. The flaw stems from inadequate handling of symbolic links within the container runtime environment, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate the mounting process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of operating system security controls and containerization technologies, where the expected security boundaries between host and container environments become compromised.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the improper validation mechanisms within the containers/common library that govern how file paths are processed during container mounting operations. When FIPS mode is active, the system's cryptographic controls interact with the container runtime in unexpected ways, allowing attackers to craft specific symbolic link sequences that bypass normal path validation checks. This flaw specifically targets the path resolution process, where symbolic links are not properly sanitized or validated before being processed by the container runtime. The improper validation creates a condition where the system incorrectly interprets attacker-controlled symbolic links as legitimate mount points, leading to unintended directory exposure. This represents a classic path traversal vulnerability that has been exacerbated by the FIPS compliance requirements, which introduce additional complexity in the path handling logic.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-9341 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it fundamentally undermines container isolation principles that form the cornerstone of modern cloud security architectures. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain access to critical host files and directories that should remain isolated from containerized applications, potentially exposing sensitive system information, configuration files, and user data. The vulnerability enables a form of container escape that allows attackers to move laterally between containers and the host system, creating persistent access points that can be used for further exploitation. This issue directly violates the core security tenet of containerization, where containers should provide process-level isolation and prevent unauthorized access to host resources. The implications are particularly severe in multi-tenant environments where container isolation is critical for maintaining security boundaries between different users or applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-9341 must address both the immediate runtime conditions and the underlying architectural weaknesses in the container handling logic. Organizations should disable FIPS mode in containerized environments when it is not strictly required, as this removes the problematic code path that enables the vulnerability. System administrators should implement strict symbolic link validation policies and monitor for unusual mount operations that may indicate exploitation attempts. The containers/common library should be updated to proper versions that address the path validation flaws, with careful attention to ensuring that all container runtime components are consistently patched. Security monitoring solutions should be configured to detect suspicious symbolic link usage patterns and unauthorized access attempts to sensitive host directories. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 Path Traversal and ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to execute commands through the compromised container environment and access host resources through improper path handling. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as read-only root filesystems, restricted container capabilities, and comprehensive monitoring of container mount operations to prevent exploitation of similar path validation issues.