CVE-2023-27561 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on March 3, 2023, by MITRE. It involves a vulnerability in runc through version 1.1.4 that results in Incorrect Access Control leading to Escalation of Privileges, specifically related to libcontainer/rootfs_linux.go.

Understanding CVE-2023-27561

This vulnerability requires the attacker to be able to spawn two containers with custom volume-mount configurations and run custom images for exploitation. It is noted that this issue is a result of a regression from CVE-2019-19921.

What is CVE-2023-27561?

CVE-2023-27561 is a security vulnerability in runc versions up to 1.1.4 that allows for an Incorrect Access Control scenario, potentially leading to an escalation of privileges for attackers.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27561

The impact of this CVE is significant as it provides attackers with the ability to escalate their privileges by exploiting the Incorrect Access Control issue in runc's libcontainer/rootfs_linux.go.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27561

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-27561 arises due to Incorrect Access Control in runc version 1.1.4, specifically in the libcontainer/rootfs_linux.go component, enabling privilege escalation for attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include runc versions up to 1.1.4. Users utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate measures are taken.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-27561, an attacker must have the capability to launch two containers with customized volume-mount configurations and execute custom images, leveraging the regression from CVE-2019-19921.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to implement immediate steps to address this vulnerability and establish long-term security practices to prevent similar security risks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update runc to a version that includes a fix for CVE-2023-27561 to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation through Incorrect Access Control.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating secure container deployment practices, monitoring for anomalous behavior, and ensuring timely software updates are essential for enhancing overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Refer to vendor advisories and security updates such as the ones provided by Debian and Fedora to patch vulnerable versions of runc and safeguard systems from potential exploitation related to CVE-2023-27561.