CVE-2021-21303 : Security Advisory and Response

Helm from version 3.0 to 3.5.2 is prone to an injection attack due to improper sanitization of data loaded from untrusted sources. This article discusses the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to CVE-2021-21303.

Understanding CVE-2021-21303

Helm, known as "The Kubernetes Package Manager," is vulnerable to an injection attack when processing certain data.

What is CVE-2021-21303?

Helm versions 3.0 to 3.5.2 fail to properly sanitize data loaded from untrusted sources, leading to a potential injection attack by core maintainers.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21303

This vulnerability allows attackers to send deceptive and harmful information to a terminal screen executing the

helm

command, compromising data integrity and system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21303

The following technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insights into its nature and exploitation.

Vulnerability Description

Helm's failure to sanitize data properly enables attackers to inject malicious content into various Helm files, potentially leading to unauthorized system manipulations.

Affected Systems and Versions

Helm versions between 3.0 and 3.5.2 are affected by this vulnerability, exposing systems to possible attacks exploiting insecure data processing.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by inserting harmful data into Helm repository files, plugin configurations, or Chart definitions to manipulate terminal outputs.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from exploitation and security breaches, immediate actions and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

All users of Helm 3 are advised to upgrade to version 3.5.2 or later to ensure data sanitization and prevent injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating Helm installations can help mitigate similar vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying patches and updates provided by Helm maintainers ensures that systems are equipped with the latest security fixes and enhancements.