CVE-2021-27098 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover how CVE-2021-27098 affects SPIRE versions 0.8.1 to 0.8.4 and solutions to prevent unauthorized issuance of X.509 certificates. Update to secure versions for protection.
SPIRE versions 0.8.1 through 0.8.4, and versions before 0.9.4, 0.10.2, 0.11.3, and 0.12.1, are vulnerable to a potential X.509 certificate issuance flaw via specially crafted requests to SPIRE Server's Legacy Node API.
Understanding CVE-2021-27098
This CVE involves an authorization bypass vulnerability in SPIRE that could lead to the issuance of X.509 certificates with unauthorized SPIFFE IDs.
What is CVE-2021-27098?
In SPIRE versions prior to 0.9.4, certain requests to FetchX509SVID RPC in SPIRE Server's Legacy Node API could result in the improper issuance of X.509 certificates with unauthorized SPIFFE IDs.
The Impact of CVE-2021-27098
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to obtain X.509 certificates for SPIFFE IDs they are not authorized to distribute, compromising the overall security and integrity of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-27098
This section outlines the specific details related to the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows the possible issuance of X.509 certificates with unauthorized SPIFFE IDs due to insufficient authorization checks in SPIRE Server's Legacy Node API.
Affected Systems and Versions
SPIRE versions 0.8.1 to 0.8.4 and versions preceding 0.9.4, 0.10.2, 0.11.3, and 0.12.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending crafted requests to the FetchX509SVID RPC, attackers can trigger the vulnerability, resulting in the unauthorized issuance of X.509 certificates.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems by implementing the following measures:
Immediate Steps to Take
Update SPIRE to versions 0.8.5, 0.9.4, 0.10.2, 0.11.3, or 0.12.1 to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized certificate issuance.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regularly monitor and audit certificate requests and issuances to detect any unauthorized activities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches and updates released by SPIRE to address potential vulnerabilities and strengthen your system's security.