CVE-2022-24731 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. This vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2022-24731, affects Argo CD versions starting from 1.5.0 up to versions 2.1.11, 2.2.6, and 2.3.0. It allows a malicious user with read/write access to leak sensitive files stored on Argo CD's repo-server. Find out more about the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2022-24731

Argo CD version 1.5.0 through 2.1.11, 2.2.6, and 2.3.0 is susceptible to a path traversal vulnerability, enabling attackers to access and disclose sensitive information present in Argo CD's repo-server.

What is CVE-2022-24731?

This vulnerability in Argo CD allows a malicious user, who has been granted specific access permissions, to access and extract sensitive files stored within the repo-server. Attackers can potentially retrieve sensitive data by creating and using malicious Helm charts within Applications.

The Impact of CVE-2022-24731

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 6.8. It has a high impact on confidentiality, allowing attackers to access sensitive information while requiring high privileges for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-24731

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability results from improper input validation, enabling unauthorized users to traverse file paths and access restricted directories outside of their authorized access level.

Affected Systems and Versions

Argo CD versions >= 1.5.0, < 2.1.11, >= 2.2.0, < 2.2.6, and >= 2.3.0-rc1, < 2.3.0 are impacted by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious users can exploit this vulnerability by creating specially crafted Helm charts and utilizing them within Applications to retrieve sensitive file contents.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2022-24731, it is crucial to upgrade Argo CD to the patched versions 2.1.11, 2.2.6, or 2.3.0. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid storing secrets in Git, mounting secrets as files on the repo-server, decrypting secrets into files on the repo-server, and carefully managing access permissions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, regularly updating software components, and conducting security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure prompt installation of security patches and updates released by Argo CD to address CVE-2022-24731 and other potential security risks.