CVE-2020-12689 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

OpenStack Keystone before versions 15.0.1 and 16.0.0 allows any authenticated user within a limited scope to create an EC2 credential with escalated permissions, potentially leading to unauthorized admin access.

Understanding CVE-2020-12689

This CVE highlights a critical vulnerability in OpenStack Keystone that could result in a malicious user gaining global admin privileges.

What is CVE-2020-12689?

CVE-2020-12689 is a security flaw in OpenStack Keystone that enables users with restricted access to create EC2 credentials with elevated permissions, allowing them to act as admins on projects where they only have viewer roles.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12689

The vulnerability could be exploited by a malicious user to gain unauthorized admin privileges on projects, potentially leading to significant security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12689

OpenStack Keystone's vulnerability exposes the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

Any authenticated user within a limited scope can create an EC2 credential with escalated permissions.
This allows a user to obtain admin privileges while being on a limited viewer role.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenStack Keystone versions before 15.0.1 and 16.0.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

A user with restricted access can exploit this vulnerability to create an EC2 credential with escalated permissions, potentially gaining unauthorized admin access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-12689, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade OpenStack Keystone to version 15.0.1 or 16.0.0, where the vulnerability is patched.
Monitor user activities for any suspicious behavior that could indicate unauthorized admin access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls and regularly review user permissions to prevent unauthorized actions.
Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by OpenStack for Keystone.
Promptly apply patches to ensure that known vulnerabilities are mitigated.