CVE-2020-1704 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability exists in OpenShift ServiceMesh (maistra) versions before 1.0.8, allowing unauthorized modification of the /etc/passwd file, potentially leading to privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2020-1704

This CVE involves a serious insecure modification vulnerability within OpenShift ServiceMesh.

What is CVE-2020-1704?

An insecure modification vulnerability in the /etc/passwd file was discovered in all versions of OpenShift ServiceMesh (maistra) before 1.0.8, specifically in the openshift/istio-kialia-rhel7-operator-container. This flaw enables attackers with container access to alter /etc/passwd and escalate their privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-1704

This vulnerability has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 7, indicating a high-severity issue with significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attacker's exploitation complexity is high, with only low privileges required.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-1704

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects related to this CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the openshift/istio-kialia-rhel7-operator-container, allowing unauthorized modifications to the /etc/passwd file, potentially resulting in privilege escalation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: openshift-service-mesh/kiali-rhel7-operator
Vendor: Red Hat
Versions Affected: All maistra versions before 1.0.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the container can exploit this vulnerability by altering the /etc/passwd file, which may enable them to elevate their privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-1704 requires a proactive approach to security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 1.0.8 or newer to mitigate this vulnerability.
Monitor container access and configuration changes to detect unauthorized modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to limit potential attacker actions.
Regularly review and update container security configurations.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching of vulnerable systems and maintain awareness of security updates for OpenShift ServiceMesh.