CVE-2021-3684 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
CVE-2021-3684 exposes image pull secrets in plaintext, enabling unauthorized access to container images in OpenShift Assisted Installer. Learn about the impact, affected versions, and mitigation.
A vulnerability was found in OpenShift Assisted Installer where image pull secrets were leaked as plaintext in the installation logs. An attacker with authenticated access could exploit this to pull container images from the registry.
Understanding CVE-2021-3684
This section delves into details about the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-3684?
CVE-2021-3684 is a vulnerability in OpenShift Assisted Installer that exposes image pull secrets in plaintext in installation logs, potentially leading to unauthorized access to container images.
The Impact of CVE-2021-3684
The vulnerability allows authenticated users to access image pull secrets, leading to the unauthorized pulling of container images from the registry, posing a security risk to the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-3684
This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.
Vulnerability Description
During the generation of the Discovery ISO in OpenShift Assisted Installer, image pull secrets are inadvertently exposed in plaintext within the installation logs.
Affected Systems and Versions
The affected product is assisted-installer with versions openshift/assisted-installer 1.0.25.1 and openshift/assisted-installer 2.0.0.
Exploitation Mechanism
An authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability by re-using the exposed image pull secret to pull container images from the registry as the associated user.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines immediate steps and long-term practices to enhance security and prevent exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update the OpenShift Assisted Installer to patched versions and revoke leaked image pull secrets to mitigate the risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure credential management practices and conducting regular security audits can prevent similar incidents.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates from the OpenShift Assisted Installer can help address known vulnerabilities and strengthen system security.