argo-cd: Improper Certificate Validation
CVE-2022-31105 is a critical-severity improper certificate validation vulnerability in argo-cd from Argoproj, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected argo-cd versions: >= 0.4.0, < 2.2.11; >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.6; >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.83% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 58% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of argo-cd you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argoproj | argo-cd | >= 0.4.0, < 2.2.11; >= 2.3.0, < 2.3.6; >= 2.4.0, < 2.4.5 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.3 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.6 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 5.1 | Medium | NVD |
Official description
Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. Argo CD starting with version 0.4.0 and prior to 2.2.11, 2.3.6, and 2.4.5 is vulnerable to an improper certificate validation bug which could cause Argo CD to trust a malicious (or otherwise untrustworthy) OpenID Connect (OIDC) provider. A patch for this vulnerability has been released in Argo CD versions 2.4.5, 2.3.6, and 2.2.11. There are no complete workarounds, but a partial workaround is available. Those who use an external OIDC provider (not the bundled Dex instance), can mitigate the issue by setting the `oidc.config.rootCA` field in the `argocd-cm` ConfigMap. This mitigation only forces certificate validation when the API server handles login flows. It does not force certificate verification when verifying tokens on API calls.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Certificate Validation
The product does not validate, or incorrectly validates, a certificate.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Certificates should be carefully managed and checked to assure that data are encrypted with the intended owner's public key.
- If certificate pinning is being used, ensure that all relevant properties of the certificate are fully validated before the certificate is pinned, including the hostname.
More Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities (CWE-295)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- github.com/argoproj/argo-cd/security/advisories/GHSA-7943-82jg-wmw5Third Party Advisory
Patches and release notes
- github.com/argoproj/argo-cd/releases/tag/v2.3.6Release Notes, Third Party Advisory
- github.com/argoproj/argo-cd/releases/tag/v2.4.5Release Notes, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in argo-cd
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 9.9 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.7 High severity
Recent Improper Certificate Validation vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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