PipeCD, Privilege Escalation, CVE-2025-XXXX (High)

How the CVE Works:

The vulnerability in PipeCD v0.49 arises due to insecure permissions configured for the service account’s token. Attackers can exploit this misconfiguration to gain unauthorized access to the token, which is typically used for authentication and authorization within the system. Once the token is compromised, attackers can escalate their privileges, potentially gaining administrative control over the PipeCD environment. This allows them to execute arbitrary commands, modify configurations, or access sensitive data. The issue stems from improper access controls and insufficient validation of token permissions, making it a critical security flaw.

DailyCVE Form:

Platform: PipeCD
Version: v0.49
Vulnerability: Privilege Escalation
Severity: High
Date: Mar 21, 2025

What Undercode Say:

Exploitation:

1. Identify the Target: Locate a PipeCD instance running v0.49.
2. Exploit Misconfigured Permissions: Use tools like `kubectl` or `curl` to query the service account token.

   kubectl get secrets -n pipecd
   curl -X GET http://<pipecd-instance>/api/v1/tokens
   

3. Extract Token: Retrieve the token from the exposed endpoint or misconfigured permissions.
4. Escalate Privileges: Use the token to authenticate and perform administrative actions.

   kubectl --token=<stolen-token> create clusterrolebinding admin-binding --clusterrole=admin --user=attacker
   

Protection:

1. Update PipeCD: Upgrade to the latest version where the vulnerability is patched.
2. Restrict Permissions: Ensure service accounts have the least privileges necessary.

   apiVersion: v1
   kind: ServiceAccount
   metadata:
   name: pipecd-sa
   automountServiceAccountToken: false
   

3. Enable Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Configure RBAC to limit access to sensitive resources.

   apiVersion: rbac.authorization.k8s.io/v1
   kind: Role
   metadata:
   namespace: pipecd
   name: limited-role
   rules:</li>
   </ol>
   
   - apiGroups: [bash]
   resources: [bash]
   verbs: [bash]
   

   4. Audit Logs: Regularly review logs for unauthorized access attempts.

   kubectl logs -n pipecd
   

   5. Network Policies: Restrict access to PipeCD endpoints using network policies.

   apiVersion: networking.k8s.io/v1
   kind: NetworkPolicy
   metadata:
   name: pipecd-policy
   spec:
   podSelector:
   matchLabels:
   app: pipecd
   ingress:
   - from:
   - podSelector:
   matchLabels:
   role: trusted
   

   Analytics:

   • Affected Systems: PipeCD instances running v0.49.
   • Attack Vector: Exploitation of misconfigured service account tokens.
   • Mitigation Difficulty: Medium (requires configuration changes and updates).
   • Common Indicators: Unusual API requests, unexpected privilege changes.
     By following these steps, organizations can mitigate the risk of privilege escalation in PipeCD and secure their environments effectively.

   References:

   Reported By: https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-4jhw-c53w-w5r7
   Extra Source Hub:
   Undercode

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