CVE-2023-33190 : What You Need to Know

This article provides an in-depth analysis of CVE-2023-33190, focusing on the improper configuration of permissions in Sealos that leads to critical vulnerabilities.

Understanding CVE-2023-33190

CVE-2023-33190 highlights a critical vulnerability in Sealos, an open-source cloud operating system distribution based on the Kubernetes kernel. The vulnerability arises due to improperly configured role-based access control (RBAC) permissions.

What is CVE-2023-33190?

The vulnerability in versions of Sealos prior to 4.2.1-rc4 allows an attacker to obtain cluster control permissions, potentially compromising the entire deployed cluster and its resources.

The Impact of CVE-2023-33190

This vulnerability poses a critical risk as an attacker could gain control over hundreds of pods and resources within a Sealos-based cluster, leading to unauthorized access and potential data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-33190

The following technical details outline the specifics of CVE-2023-33190:

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from an improper configuration of RBAC permissions, enabling attackers to escalate their privileges and gain unauthorized control over Sealos clusters.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: labring
Product: sealos
Affected Versions: < 4.2.1-rc4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the misconfigured RBAC permissions to gain unauthorized access and control over Sealos clusters.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the severity of CVE-2023-33190, it is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to version 4.2.1-rc4 or newer to address the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update RBAC permissions to ensure proper configuration and avoid similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Sealos to promptly address any known vulnerabilities.