CVE-2025-55196

External Secrets Operator Missing Namespace Restriction in PushSecret and SecretStore List() Calls Allows Unauthorized Secret Access

Description

External Secrets Operator is a Kubernetes operator that integrates external secret management systems. From version 0.15.0 to before 0.19.2, a vulnerability was discovered where the List() calls for Kubernetes Secret and SecretStore resources performed by the PushSecret controller did not apply a namespace selector. This flaw allowed an attacker to use label selectors to list and read secrets/secret-stores across the cluster, bypassing intended namespace restrictions. An attacker with the ability to create or update PushSecret resources and control SecretStore configurations could exploit this vulnerability to exfiltrate sensitive data from arbitrary namespaces. This could lead to full disclosure of Kubernetes secrets, including credentials, tokens, and other sensitive information stored in the cluster. This vulnerability has been patched in version 0.19.2. A workaround for this issue includes auditing and restricting RBAC permissions so that only trusted service accounts can create or update PushSecret and SecretStore resources.

Category

7.1
CVSS
Severity: High
CVSS 4.0 •
EPSS 0.03%
Affected: external-secrets external-secrets
Published at:
Updated at:

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the severity of CVE-2025-55196?
CVE-2025-55196 has been scored as a high severity vulnerability.
How to fix CVE-2025-55196?
To fix CVE-2025-55196, 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-2025-55196 being actively exploited in the wild?
As for now, there are no information to confirm that CVE-2025-55196 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-2025-55196?
CVE-2025-55196 affects external-secrets external-secrets.
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