The kubectl cp command allows copying files between containers and the user machine. To copy files from a container, Kubernetes creates a tar inside the container, copies it over the network, and kubectl unpacks it on the user’s machine. If the tar binary in the container is malicious, it could run any code and output unexpected, malicious results. An attacker could use this to write files to any path on the user’s machine when kubectl cp is called, limited only by the system permissions of the local user. The untar function can both create and follow symbolic links. The issue is resolved in kubectl v1.11.9, v1.12.7, v1.13.5, and v1.14.0.
This vulnerability carries a MEDIUM severity rating with a CVSS v3.1 score of 6.4, indicating it can be exploited remotely over the network but requires specific conditions to be met though user interaction is required . The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (data exposure), integrity (unauthorized modifications), and availability (service disruption) for affected systems. Impacting 2 products from kubernetes, from redhat organizations running these solutions should prioritize assessment and patching.
First disclosed in 2019, this vulnerability was reported during a period defined by widespread IoT adoption challenges, mobile security concerns, and the emergence of advanced persistent threat (APT) techniques. Contemporary mitigation strategies focused on secure development practices and third-party component vetting.
2019-04-01T14:29:00.640
2024-11-21T04:17:42.747
Modified
CVSSv3.0: 6.4 (MEDIUM)
AV:N/AC:M/Au:N/C:N/I:P/A:P
8.6
4.9
| Type | Vendor | Product | Version/Range | Vulnerable? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Application | kubernetes | kubernetes | < 1.11.9 | Yes |
| Application | kubernetes | kubernetes | < 1.12.7 | Yes |
| Application | kubernetes | kubernetes | < 1.13.5 | Yes |
| Application | kubernetes | kubernetes | 1.14.0 | Yes |
| Application | redhat | openshift_container_platform | 3.9 | Yes |
| Application | redhat | openshift_container_platform | 3.10 | Yes |
| Application | redhat | openshift_container_platform | 3.11 | Yes |
SecUtils normalizes and enriches National Vulnerability Database (NVD) records by standardizing vendor and product identifiers, aggregating vulnerability metadata from both NVD and MITRE sources, and providing structured context for security teams. For kubernetes's affected products, we extract Common Platform Enumeration (CPE) data, Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) classifications, CVSS severity metrics, and reference data to enable rapid vulnerability prioritization and asset correlation. This record contains no exploit code, proof-of-concept instructions, or attack methodologies—only defensive intelligence necessary for patch management, risk assessment, and security operations.