CVE-2021-25740: Confused Deputy in Kubernetes

k8s.io/kubernetes Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

21/09/2021
No i
Low
3.1

CVE-2021-25740: Confused Deputy in Kubernetes. Affects k8s.io/kubernetes versions < 1.22.2. No fix is published. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2021-25740 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.

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Background

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform used for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications. It provides a robust and scalable infrastructure for running distributed systems. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25740 affects the k8s.io/kubernetes package in the Go ecosystem. This package is a core component of Kubernetes and is responsible for managing various aspects of the platform's functionality.

Vulnerability Detail

The vulnerability discovered in Kubernetes is a confused deputy attack, which allows users to send network traffic to locations they would otherwise not have access to. This security issue arises due to a flaw in the implementation of Kubernetes, enabling malicious actors to exploit the platform's permissions and bypass network restrictions. The ramifications of this vulnerability can be severe, as it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive resources and compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the Kubernetes cluster.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

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Workaround

Currently, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is essential to apply the recommended fix by upgrading the k8s.io/kubernetes package to a secure version.

Conclusion

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-25740 in the k8s.io/kubernetes package of Kubernetes poses a significant security risk. It allows for a confused deputy attack, enabling unauthorized network traffic redirection. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade the package to a version beyond 1.22.2. Stay informed about the latest security updates and patches released by the Kubernetes community to ensure the security and integrity of your Kubernetes deployment. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

Kubernetes is an open-source container orchestration platform used for automating the deployment, scaling, and management of containerized applications.

A confused deputy attack is a type of security vulnerability where an entity with certain privileges can be manipulated into performing actions on behalf of an attacker, leading to unauthorized access or misuse of resources.

The vulnerability in Kubernetes can allow malicious users to bypass network restrictions and gain unauthorized access to sensitive resources. This can lead to data breaches, unauthorized data modification, and compromise the overall security and integrity of the Kubernetes cluster.

To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the k8s.io/kubernetes package to a version beyond 1.22.2, which includes the necessary security patches.

Currently, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is crucial to apply the recommended fix by upgrading the k8s.io/kubernetes package to a secure version.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for k8s.io/kubernetes.

How To Fix

No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.

Tip — Not sure whether your app is affected? Vulert can check the versions your app actually runs. Scan free →

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