CVE-2019-1002101 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A critical vulnerability in Kubernetes' kubectl cp command allows attackers to write files to any location on a user's machine, potentially leading to malicious code execution.

Understanding CVE-2019-1002101

This CVE highlights a security flaw in Kubernetes that could be exploited by attackers to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of user systems.

What is CVE-2019-1002101?

The vulnerability arises from the kubectl cp command in Kubernetes, which facilitates file copying between containers and the user's machine. If a malicious tar binary is present in the container, it can execute arbitrary code on the user's machine when files are copied, posing a severe security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1002101

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 6.4 (Medium severity) with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can exploit this flaw to write files to any path on the user's machine, subject to local user permissions.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1002101

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The kubectl cp vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on a user's machine by leveraging a malicious tar binary within a container during file copying operations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions include Kubernetes 1.1-1.10, 1.11, 1.12, and 1.13.
The issue has been resolved in kubectl versions v1.11.9, v1.12.7, v1.13.5, and v1.14.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by inserting a malicious tar binary in a container and triggering the kubectl cp command to copy files, leading to unauthorized code execution on the user's machine.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-1002101 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Kubernetes to the patched versions: v1.11.9, v1.12.7, v1.13.5, or v1.14.0.
Avoid using the kubectl cp command until the system is updated to a secure version.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and apply security updates to Kubernetes and related components.
Implement strict container security measures to prevent the insertion of malicious binaries.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches provided by Kubernetes to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-1002101.