CVE-2020-7009 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Elasticsearch versions from 6.7.0 before 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 before 7.6.2 contain a privilege escalation flaw that allows attackers to create API keys with elevated privileges.

Understanding CVE-2020-7009

Elasticsearch vulnerability leading to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2020-7009?

CVE-2020-7009 is a privilege escalation vulnerability in Elasticsearch versions 6.7.0 to 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 to 7.6.2, allowing attackers to create API keys with elevated privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7009

Attackers can exploit this flaw to generate API keys with elevated privileges.
Unauthorized access and potential data manipulation are possible.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7009

Details of the vulnerability in Elasticsearch.

Vulnerability Description

Privilege escalation flaw in Elasticsearch versions 6.7.0 to 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 to 7.6.2.
Attacker can create API keys with escalated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Elasticsearch
Vendor: Elastic
Versions Affected: All versions from 6.7.0 before 6.8.8 and 7.0.0 before 7.6.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attacker needs the ability to create API keys to exploit the vulnerability.
By following specific steps, an attacker can generate API keys with elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2020-7009.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Elasticsearch to version 6.8.8 or 7.6.2 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor API key creation and usage for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to limit API key privileges.
Regularly review and update security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security updates provided by Elastic to patch the privilege escalation vulnerability in affected versions.