CVE-2022-29162 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A bug was found in runc prior to version 1.1.2 where

runc exec --cap

created processes with non-empty inheritable Linux process capabilities, enabling programs to elevate their capabilities. Learn all about the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps below.

Understanding CVE-2022-29162

runc is a CLI tool for spawning and running containers on Linux according to the OCI specification. The vulnerability in versions prior to 1.1.2 allowed programs to gain elevated capabilities through inheritable process capabilities.

What is CVE-2022-29162?

The CVE-2022-29162 vulnerability in runc versions below 1.1.2 allowed processes created by

runc exec --cap

to inherit non-empty Linux process capabilities, potentially enabling privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2022-29162

This vulnerability could allow malicious programs to gain additional capabilities beyond the container's intended permissions, leading to potential privilege escalation and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-29162

The vulnerability in runc versions prior to 1.1.2 involved the improper inheritance of Linux process capabilities, potentially allowing unauthorized programs to escalate their privileges.

Vulnerability Description

A bug in

runc exec --cap

allowed processes to inherit Linux process capabilities improperly, potentially enabling unauthorized programs to elevate their capabilities beyond their intended permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of runc prior to 1.1.2 are affected by this vulnerability, specifically impacting containers on Linux systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious programs could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the improper inheritance of Linux process capabilities when executed using

runc exec --cap

.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-29162, immediate steps should be taken to secure affected systems and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that affected systems are updated to runc version 1.1.2 or higher to address and eliminate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security updates and patches to prevent similar vulnerabilities and maintain the integrity of containerized environments.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for updates and security advisories related to runc to ensure that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed and resolved.