CVE-2021-3495 : What You Need to Know

An incorrect access control flaw in the kiali-operator versions before 1.33.0 and 1.24.7 allows attackers with basic cluster access to deploy a kiali operand and potentially gain access to privileged tokens, posing a threat to data confidentiality, integrity, and system availability.

Understanding CVE-2021-3495

This CVE describes an access control vulnerability in the kiali-operator software.

What is CVE-2021-3495?

CVE-2021-3495 is an incorrect access control flaw found in versions prior to 1.33.0 and 1.24.7 of the kiali-operator. It allows attackers with limited cluster access to deploy a kiali operand, enabling them to deploy a specific image across the cluster and potentially obtain privileged service account tokens. The primary risk of this vulnerability lies in its impact on data security and system availability.

The Impact of CVE-2021-3495

The vulnerability poses a significant threat to the confidentiality and integrity of data, as well as the availability of the affected systems. Attackers exploiting this flaw could compromise sensitive information and disrupt system operations.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-3495

Below are the technical details related to CVE-2021-3495.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers with minimal cluster access to deploy a kiali operand, thereby gaining the ability to launch a specific image throughout the cluster and potentially accessing privileged service account tokens.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions prior to kiali-operator 1.33.0 and 1.24.7 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing them to the risks associated with the incorrect access control flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the vulnerability to deploy a kiali operand and exploit the flaw, enabling them to distribute a specific image across the cluster and potentially compromise privileged tokens.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-3495, immediate steps and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the latest version of the kiali-operator to eliminate the access control vulnerability.
Monitor cluster activity for any unauthorized deployments or unusual patterns that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement least privilege access controls to restrict user permissions within the cluster.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security bulletins and updates related to the kiali-operator software to ensure timely application of patches and fixes.