CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-9276NVD status: Analyzed

cockroach-k8s-request-cert: Empty Password in Configuration File

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-9276 is a critical-severity empty password in configuration file vulnerability in cockroach-k8s-request-cert from Cockroach Labs, with a CVSS 3.0 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected cockroach-k8s-request-cert versions: cockroachdb/cockroach-k8s-request-cert:latest. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.65% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.

Patch this week

Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.

What to do

  1. Check which version of cockroach-k8s-request-cert you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
  2. Read the advisory on zerodayinitiative.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  3. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
Cockroach Labscockroach-k8s-request-certcockroachdb/cockroach-k8s-request-cert:latestNot 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
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
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:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (trendmicro.com).

Official description

Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert Empty Root Password Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to bypass authentication on systems that use the affected version of the Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert container image. The specific flaw exists within the configuration of the system shadow file. The issue results from a blank password setting for the root user. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-22195.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Empty Password in Configuration File

Using an empty string as a password is insecure.

More Empty Password in Configuration File vulnerabilities (CWE-258)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Recent Empty Password in Configuration File vulnerabilities

Spotted an error? Tell us.