CVE-2020-8559 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-8559, a Kubernetes vulnerability allowing privilege escalation from a compromised node to the entire cluster. Find mitigation steps and patching details.
The Kubernetes kube-apiserver in versions v1.6-v1.15, and versions prior to v1.16.13, v1.17.9, and v1.18.6 are vulnerable to an unvalidated redirect on proxied upgrade requests that could allow an attacker to escalate privileges from a node compromise to a full cluster compromise.
Understanding CVE-2020-8559
This CVE involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Kubernetes that could lead to a full cluster compromise.
What is CVE-2020-8559?
The vulnerability in Kubernetes kube-apiserver versions allows attackers to escalate privileges from compromising a node to compromising the entire cluster.
The Impact of CVE-2020-8559
The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. It requires high privileges and user interaction for exploitation.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-8559
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an unvalidated redirect on proxied upgrade requests, enabling attackers to escalate privileges within the Kubernetes cluster.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected versions range from v1.6 to v1.15, with specific versions like v1.16.12, v1.17.8, and v1.18.5 also being vulnerable.
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attack Complexity: High
- Attack Vector: Network
- Privileges Required: High
- User Interaction: Required
- Scope: Unchanged
- Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability Impact: High
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2020-8559 with these mitigation strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Kubernetes to patched versions immediately.
- Monitor and restrict network access to the kube-apiserver.
- Implement strong authentication mechanisms.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update Kubernetes to the latest secure versions.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing on Kubernetes clusters.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Kubernetes promptly to address this vulnerability.