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The vulnerability in Operator-SDK (< 0.15.2) arises due to insecure permissions (664) set on `/etc/passwd` during container image builds. The `user_setup` script, included in early versions, modifies `/etc/passwd` to be group-writable with root group ownership (gid=0). Attackers executing commands inside the container—even as non-root users—can exploit their membership in the root group to edit /etc/passwd. By adding a malicious entry with UID 0, they gain root privileges, escalating from a low-privileged user to full container control. This flaw primarily impacts operators built using older SDK versions where the script remains in use.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: Operator-SDK
Version: < 0.15.2
Vulnerability: Privilege escalation
Severity: Moderate
Date: Aug 7, 2025
Prediction: Patch expected by Aug 21, 2025
What Undercode Say:
Check /etc/passwd permissions in container ls -l /etc/passwd Verify group ownership stat -c "%G" /etc/passwd Exploit PoC (adds UID 0 backdoor) echo "attacker:x:0:0::/:/bin/sh" >> /etc/passwd
How Exploit:
- Attacker gains shell access in container.
- Writes malicious entry to
/etc/passwd. - Escalates to root via UID 0.
Protection from this CVE:
- Upgrade to Operator-SDK ≥ 0.15.2.
- Remove `user_setup` script from builds.
- Set `/etc/passwd` to 644 permissions.
Impact:
- Full container compromise.
- Cluster lateral movement risk.
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Sources:
Reported By: github.com
Extra Source Hub:
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