CVE-2025-26521

Apache CloudStack: CKS cluster in project exposes user API keys

Description

When an Apache CloudStack user-account creates a CKS-based Kubernetes cluster in a project, the API key and the secret key of the 'kubeadmin' user of the caller account are used to create the secret config in the CKS-based Kubernetes cluster. A member of the project who can access the CKS-based Kubernetes cluster, can also access the API key and secret key of the 'kubeadmin' user of the CKS cluster's creator's account. An attacker who's a member of the project can exploit this to impersonate and perform privileged actions that can result in complete compromise of the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of resources owned by the creator's account. CKS users are recommended to upgrade to version 4.19.3.0 or 4.20.1.0, which fixes this issue.Updating Existing Kubernetes Clusters in ProjectsA service account should be created for each project to provide limited access specifically for Kubernetes cluster providers and autoscaling. Follow the steps below to create a new service account, update the secret inside the cluster, and regenerate existing API and service keys:1. Create a New Service AccountCreate a new account using the role "Project Kubernetes Service Role" with the following details: Account Name kubeadmin-<FIRST_EIGHT_CHARACTERS_OF_PROJECT_ID> First Name Kubernetes Last Name Service User Account Type 0 (Normal User) Role ID <ID_OF_SERVICE_ROLE> 2. Add the Service Account to the ProjectAdd this account to the project where the Kubernetes cluster(s) are hosted. 3. Generate API and Secret KeysGenerate API Key and Secret Key for the default user of this account. 4. Update the CloudStack Secret in the Kubernetes ClusterCreate a temporary file `/tmp/cloud-config` with the following data:    api-url = <API_URL>     # For example: <MS_URL>/client/api   api-key = <SERVICE_USER_API_KEY>   secret-key = <SERVICE_USER_SECRET_KEY>   project-id = <PROJECT_ID> Delete the existing secret using kubectl and Kubernetes cluster config:    ./kubectl --kubeconfig kube.conf -n kube-system delete secret cloudstack-secret Create a new secret using kubectl and Kubernetes cluster config:     ./kubectl --kubeconfig kube.conf -n kube-system create secret generic cloudstack-secret --from-file=/tmp/cloud-config Remove the temporary file:     rm /tmp/cloud-config5. Regenerate API and Secret KeysRegenerate the API and secret keys for the original user account that was used to create the Kubernetes cluster.

Category

8.1
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 3.1 •
EPSS 0.05%
Vendor Advisory apache.org Vendor Advisory apache.org
Affected: Apache Software Foundation Apache CloudStack
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2025-26521?
CVE-2025-26521 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2025-26521?
To fix CVE-2025-26521, make sure you are using an up-to-date version of the affected component(s) by checking the vendor release notes. As for now, there are no other specific guidelines available.
Is CVE-2025-26521 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2025-26521 is being actively exploited. According to its EPSS score, there is a ~0% probability that this vulnerability will be exploited by malicious actors in the next 30 days.
What software or system is affected by CVE-2025-26521?
CVE-2025-26521 affects Apache Software Foundation Apache CloudStack.
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