CVE-2017-8438 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-8438 pertains to a vulnerability in Elastic X-Pack Security versions 5.0.0 to 5.4.0 that allows for privilege escalation in the run_as functionality.

Understanding CVE-2017-8438

This CVE involves a bug in Elastic X-Pack Security that impacts the run_as feature, potentially leading to incorrect user transitions.

What is CVE-2017-8438?

The vulnerability in versions 5.0.0 to 5.4.0 of Elastic X-Pack Security enables privilege escalation within the run_as functionality, causing issues with transitioning to specified users.

The Impact of CVE-2017-8438

The vulnerability can result in incorrect behavior of the run_as feature, especially when roles are created using specific templates or when the specified run_as user does not exist.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-8438

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The bug in Elastic X-Pack Security versions 5.0.0 to 5.4.0 allows for privilege escalation in the run_as functionality, affecting user transitions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: X-Pack Security
Vendor: Elastic
Versions Affected: 5.0.0 to 5.4.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the run_as feature, potentially leading to unauthorized privilege escalation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE, certain steps can be taken.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade X-Pack Security to a patched version beyond 5.4.0.
Monitor for any unauthorized user transitions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Elastic products to mitigate security risks.
Implement proper access controls and user management practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security updates provided by Elastic promptly to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.