CVE-2020-10661 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.11.0 through 1.3.3 may have existing nested-path policies grant access to Namespaces created after-the-fact. Fixed in 1.3.4.

Understanding CVE-2020-10661

HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.11.0 through 1.3.3 are affected by a vulnerability that could allow access to Namespaces created after the policies were set.

What is CVE-2020-10661?

The vulnerability in HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.11.0 through 1.3.3 could lead to existing nested-path policies granting access to Namespaces created after the policies were established. This issue was addressed in version 1.3.4.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10661

This vulnerability could potentially result in unauthorized access to Namespaces within HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise, compromising the security and confidentiality of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10661

HashiCorp Vault and Vault Enterprise versions 0.11.0 through 1.3.3 are susceptible to a specific security flaw.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows existing nested-path policies to inadvertently grant access to Namespaces created after the policies were defined, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

HashiCorp Vault versions 0.11.0 through 1.3.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by creating Namespaces after the policies were set, taking advantage of the flaw to gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-10661, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to HashiCorp Vault version 1.3.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Review and adjust existing policies to ensure they do not inadvertently grant access to newly created Namespaces.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and address any potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by HashiCorp and apply them promptly to ensure the security of your systems.