CVE-2023-40029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Argo CD is a declarative continuous deployment tool for Kubernetes. This CVE involves a vulnerability where cluster secrets in the Argo CD cluster details page might leak sensitive information. The impact is critical with a CVSS base score of 9.9.

Understanding CVE-2023-40029

This CVE affects Argo CD versions prior to 2.8.3, 2.7.14, and 2.6.15. The exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors poses a significant risk to confidentiality and integrity.

What is CVE-2023-40029?

Argo CD Cluster secrets might be managed declaratively using Argo CD / kubectl apply, exposing the full secret body in the annotation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40029

This vulnerability leads to the exposure of sensitive information stored in cluster secrets, potentially compromising confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40029

The vulnerability description explains how the cluster details page in Argo CD might leak sensitive information, impacting confidentiality and integrity.

Vulnerability Description

Cluster secrets managed declaratively with Argo CD / kubectl apply expose the full secret body in the annotation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Argo CD versions affected include >= 2.2.0, < 2.6.15, >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.14, and >= 2.8.0, < 2.8.3.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized actors can access sensitive information in cluster secrets by viewing cluster annotations via the Argo CD API.

Mitigation and Prevention

To protect against this vulnerability, immediate steps should be taken to update Argo CD to patched versions and deploy cluster secrets with the

server-side-apply

flag.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Argo CD to versions 2.8.3, 2.7.14, or 2.6.15 to patch the vulnerability. Deploy cluster secrets using the

server-side-apply

flag.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update Argo CD versions to ensure vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2023-40029.