CVE-2020-1731: Predictable password in Keycloak
Summary
CVE-2020-1731: Predictable password in Keycloak. Affects org.keycloak:keycloak-core versions < 8.0.2. Fixed in 8.0.2. How to fix ↓
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Background
Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution that provides single sign-on capabilities for web applications and RESTful web services. It is built on top of the Java-based WildFly application server. Keycloak-Core is a Maven package that forms the core functionality of Keycloak. It handles user authentication, authorization, and session management. This vulnerability affects all versions of the Keycloak operator, before version 8.0.2 (community only).
Vulnerability Detail
The Keycloak operator generates a random admin password during installation. However, due to a flaw, the password remains the same when deployed to the same OpenShift namespace. This means that an attacker with access to the namespace can easily predict the admin password and gain unauthorized access to the Keycloak instance. The impact of this vulnerability is critical as it allows an attacker to bypass authentication and potentially compromise the entire Keycloak system.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 26.8.1 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
8.0.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to upgrade to the fixed version of the Keycloak operator to mitigate the risk.
Conclusion
The vulnerability in Keycloak operator versions prior to 8.0.2 allows for a predictable admin password, which can be exploited by an attacker to gain unauthorized access. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial to upgrade to the fixed version of the Keycloak operator. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.keycloak:keycloak-core →
FAQ
Keycloak is an open-source identity and access management solution that provides single sign-on capabilities for web applications and RESTful web services.
This vulnerability allows an attacker to predict the admin password of a Keycloak instance, bypass authentication, and potentially compromise the entire system.
To fix this vulnerability, upgrade to Keycloak operator version 8.0.2 or later and redeploy the Keycloak instance.
No, there is no known workaround. Upgrading to the fixed version is the recommended solution.
For more information, you can visit the GitHub advisory database at https://github.com/github/advisory-database/blob/main/advisories/github-reviewed/2020/04/GHSA-6pmv-7pr9-cgrj/GHSA-6pmv-7pr9-cgrj.json
References
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