CVE-2025-5187: Nodes can delete themselves by adding an OwnerReference

Published Aug 27, 2025
·
Updated

A vulnerability exists in the NodeRestriction admission controller in Kubernetes clusters where node users can delete their corresponding node object by patching themselves with an OwnerReference to a cluster-scoped resource. If the OwnerReference resource does not exist or is subsequently deleted, the given node object will be deleted via garbage collection.

Affected Software

4 affected componentsFixes available
Kubernetes kubernetes
go/k8s.io/kubernetes>=1.33.0-alpha.0<1.33.4
1.33.4
go/k8s.io/kubernetes>=1.32.0-alpha.0<1.32.7
1.32.8
go/k8s.io/kubernetes<1.31.12
1.31.12

Remediation

Information

To mitigate this vulnerability, upgrade Kubernetes: https://kubernetes.io/docs/tasks/administer-cluster/cluster-upgrade/

Event History

Aug 27, 2025
CVE Published
via MITRE·04:20 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·04:20 PM
RemedyDescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·05:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Advisory Published
via GitHub·06:31 PM
Data Sourced
via GitHub·06:31 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeaknessAffected Software
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Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2025-5187?

The severity of CVE-2025-5187 is considered high due to the potential for unauthorized deletion of critical node objects in Kubernetes.

2

How do I fix CVE-2025-5187?

To fix CVE-2025-5187, ensure that your Kubernetes cluster is updated to a version that includes the patch for this vulnerability.

3

Who is affected by CVE-2025-5187?

CVE-2025-5187 affects Kubernetes clusters where node users have the capability to modify their node object permissions.

4

What potential impact does CVE-2025-5187 have?

The potential impact of CVE-2025-5187 includes unauthorized access to resources and disruption of services due to the deletion of node objects.

5

What is NodeRestriction admission controller in Kubernetes with respect to CVE-2025-5187?

The NodeRestriction admission controller in Kubernetes is designed to limit the permissions of node users, and CVE-2025-5187 exploits a flaw in its implementation.

Contact

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