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CVE-2024-10220: Protect your Kubernetes Environments from the latest Critical Kubelet Vulnerability

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Executive Summary

Date: November 22, 2024

CVE-2024-10220 poses significant risks to organizations utilizing Kubernetes. This vulnerability, which affects the kubelet component, allows for arbitrary command execution through specially crafted gitRepo volumes. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing this vulnerability to mitigate potential exploitation.

Technical Information

CVE-2024-10220 is a critical security vulnerability identified in the kubelet component of Kubernetes. This vulnerability enables an attacker with the ability to create a pod and associate it with a gitRepo volume to execute arbitrary commands outside the container's boundary. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and control over the affected Kubernetes environment, potentially compromising sensitive data and disrupting services.

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the handling of gitRepo volumes, which have been deprecated in favor of more secure methods. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by crafting malicious gitRepo configurations, allowing them to execute commands that could manipulate the host system or access sensitive information.

Organizations using vulnerable versions of kubelet should prioritize immediate remediation efforts. The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions. The nature of the vulnerability makes it particularly appealing to opportunistic attackers who may seek to exploit unpatched systems.

Exploitation in the Wild

As of now, there have been no confirmed reports of CVE-2024-10220 being actively exploited in the wild. However, the nature of the vulnerability suggests that it could attract opportunistic attackers targeting organizations that have not yet applied the necessary patches. Indicators of Compromise (IOCs) related to this vulnerability may include unusual pod activity, unexpected command executions, and unauthorized access attempts to Kubernetes clusters.

Organizations should monitor their Kubernetes environments for any signs of exploitation, including unexpected changes to pod configurations or unauthorized access to sensitive resources. Implementing robust logging and monitoring solutions can help detect potential exploitation attempts and facilitate timely incident response.

APT Groups using this vulnerability

Currently, there is no specific attribution to any Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups regarding the exploitation of CVE-2024-10220. However, organizations using vulnerable versions of Kubernetes should remain vigilant as the nature of this vulnerability could attract opportunistic attackers. The potential for exploitation exists, and organizations must be prepared to respond to any threats that may arise.

Affected Product Versions

The following versions of kubelet are affected by CVE-2024-10220: kubelet versions through 1.28.11, kubelet versions from 1.29.0 through 1.29.6, and kubelet versions from 1.30.0 through 1.30.2. For reference, the complete list of affected versions can be found in the security advisory from the Kubernetes community at https://discuss.kubernetes.io/t/security-advisory-cve-2024-10220-arbitrary-command-execution-through-gitrepo-volume/30571.

Organizations are encouraged to review their Kubernetes deployments and identify any instances of the affected kubelet versions. Prompt action is necessary to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-10220, it is recommended that organizations upgrade their kubelet to one of the following fixed versions: kubelet version 1.31.0, kubelet version 1.30.3, kubelet version 1.29.7, or kubelet version 1.28.12. Additionally, since the gitRepo volume has been deprecated, it is advisable to perform the Git clone operation using an init container and then mount the directory into the Pod’s container. This approach is documented in the Kubernetes security advisory.

Organizations should also implement strict access controls and monitoring to limit the ability of unauthorized users to create pods and associate them with gitRepo volumes. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scans can help identify and remediate potential weaknesses in the Kubernetes environment.

References

  1. National Vulnerability Database (NVD) - CVE-2024-10220: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-10220

  2. Red Hat Security Advisory on CVE-2024-10220: https://access.redhat.com/security/cve/cve-2024-10220

  3. Kubernetes Security Advisory: https://discuss.kubernetes.io/t/security-advisory-cve-2024-10220-arbitrary-command-execution-through-gitrepo-volume/30571

  4. GitHub Issue for CVE-2024-10220: https://github.com/kubernetes/kubernetes/issues/128885

  5. CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog

Organizations are encouraged to review their Kubernetes deployments and apply the necessary updates to safeguard against potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we are committed to helping our customers navigate the complexities of cybersecurity. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform provides organizations with the tools and insights needed to identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively. We are happy to answer any questions you might have about this report or any other issue at ops@rescana.com.

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