CVE-2020-27847:SAML Signature Validation Bypass in Dex Library

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Description Preview

A critical vulnerability (CVE-2020-27847) exists in the SAML connector of the github.com/dexidp/dex library that allows attackers to bypass SAML authentication. This security flaw affects all versions of Dex prior to 2.27.0, posing significant risks to confidentiality, integrity, and system availability for affected systems.

Overview

The vulnerability exists in the SAML connector component of the Dex identity service, which is widely used for authentication in Kubernetes and other systems. The flaw specifically impacts how Dex processes SAML signature validation, allowing malicious actors to bypass authentication controls entirely. When exploited, attackers can gain unauthorized access to protected resources and potentially compromise the entire authentication system. This vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations using Dex for single sign-on (SSO) implementations, as it undermines the fundamental security guarantees of the SAML protocol.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, organizations should take the following actions:

  1. Upgrade to Dex version 2.27.0 or later immediately, which contains the security patch for this vulnerability.
  2. If immediate upgrading is not possible, consider implementing additional authentication layers or temporarily disabling SAML authentication until the upgrade can be completed.
  3. Monitor authentication logs for any suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts.
  4. Perform a security audit to identify any potential unauthorized access that might have occurred prior to patching.
  5. Review and update security configurations for Dex deployments following the latest security best practices.

References

  1. GitHub Security Advisory: https://github.com/dexidp/dex/security/advisories/GHSA-m9hp-7r99-94h5
  2. Red Hat Bugzilla: https://bugzilla.redhat.com/show_bug.cgi?id=1907732
  3. Mattermost Vendor Advisory: https://mattermost.com/blog/coordinated-disclosure-go-xml-vulnerabilities/
  4. Dex GitHub Repository: https://github.com/dexidp/dex
  5. MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2020-27847

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  3. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  4. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  5. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  6. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  7. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  8. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  9. Construction
    Construction
  10. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  11. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  12. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Mining
    Mining
  15. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  16. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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