CVE-2020-15187: Duplicate plugin entries in Helm
Impact
During a security audit of Helm's code base, Helm maintainers identified a bug in which a Helm plugin can contain duplicates of the same entry, with the last one always used. If a plugin is compromised, this lowers the level of access that an attacker needs to modify a plugin's install hooks, causing a local execution attack.
To perform this attack, an attacker must have write access to the git repository or plugin archive (.tgz) while being downloaded (which can occur during a MITM attack on a non-SSL connection).
Patches
This issue has been patched in Helm 2.16.11 and Helm 3.3.2.
Workarounds
Make sure to install plugins using a secure connection protocol like SSL.
Other sources
In Helm before versions 2.16.11 and 3.3.2, a Helm plugin can contain duplicates of the same entry, with the last one always used. If a plugin is compromised, this lowers the level of access that an attacker needs to modify a plugin's install hooks, causing a local execution attack. To perform this attack, an attacker must have write access to the git repository or plugin archive (.tgz) while being downloaded (which can occur during a MITM attack on a non-SSL connection). This issue has been patched in Helm 2.16.11 and Helm 3.3.2. As a possible workaround make sure to install plugins using a secure connection protocol like SSL.
— MITRE
Affected Software
Remediation
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the vulnerability ID for this issue?
The vulnerability ID for this issue is CVE-2020-15187.
What is the impact of this vulnerability?
This vulnerability allows a compromised Helm plugin to have lowered access to modify a plugin's installation.
What is the severity of CVE-2020-15187?
The severity of CVE-2020-15187 is low.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2020-15187?
The affected software versions are Helm 2.16.11 (exact remedy) and Helm 3.0.0 to 3.3.2 (inclusive exclusive).
How can I fix CVE-2020-15187?
To fix CVE-2020-15187, update Helm to version 2.16.11 (exact remedy) or version 3.3.2 (inclusive exclusive).