CVE-2020-27833 : Security Advisory and Response

A Zip Slip vulnerability in the oc binary in openshift-clients allows arbitrary file write via a specially crafted raw container image, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

Understanding CVE-2020-27833

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the oc binary within openshift-clients, enabling attackers to write files arbitrarily through a manipulated container image.

What is CVE-2020-27833?

The vulnerability allows for symbolic links within a tarball to bypass path checks, leading to the creation of links outside the parent directory. This could result in overwriting executables or configuration files, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution.

The Impact of CVE-2020-27833

The highest risk from this vulnerability is to confidentiality, integrity, and system availability due to the potential for arbitrary code execution.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-27833

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

A Zip Slip vulnerability in the oc binary in openshift-clients allows for arbitrary file write using a specially crafted raw container image containing symbolic links.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: openshift/oc
Versions affected: up to & including openshift-clients-4.7.0-202104250659.p0.git.95881af

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is limited to the

oc image extract

command. By creating symbolic links within the tarball, attackers can bypass path checks and write files outside the intended directory.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-27833 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update openshift-clients to a non-vulnerable version immediately.
Avoid using untrusted container images.
Monitor for any unauthorized file modifications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and dependencies to patch vulnerabilities.
Implement container security best practices to prevent similar exploits.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that openshift-clients is regularly updated to the latest secure version to mitigate the Zip Slip vulnerability.