CVE-2019-1002101

kubectl cp path traversal

MEDIUM
6.4
CVSS Score
Published: April 1, 2019 at 02:14 PM UTC
Updated: June 17, 2026 at 02:09 AM UTC
2 products affected across 2 vendorsOpenShift Container PlatformKubernetes

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Severity
MEDIUM6.4
Exploit prediction
EPSS 13%

Description

The kubectl cp command allows copying files between containers and the user machine. To copy files from a container, Kubernetes creates a tar inside the container, copies it over the network, and kubectl unpacks it on the user’s machine. If the tar binary in the container is malicious, it could run any code and output unexpected, malicious results. An attacker could use this to write files to any path on the user’s machine when kubectl cp is called, limited only by the system permissions of the local user. The untar function can both create and follow symbolic links. The issue is resolved in kubectl v1.11.9, v1.12.7, v1.13.5, and v1.14.0.

Affected

Our own answer: ranges merged, affected separated from platform-only, with confidence and review flags.

1.11 ≤ v < 1.11.91.11.0 ≤ v < 1.11.91.12 ≤ v < 1.12.71.12.0 ≤ v < 1.12.71.13 ≤ v < 1.13.51.13.0 ≤ v < 1.13.51.1-1.101.111.121.131.14.0
Affected range stops below 1.11.9, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement
Affected range stops below 1.12.7, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement
Affected range stops below 1.13.5, so it looks safe — our inference, not a vendor statement

CVSS

6.4MEDIUMdwf
Attack Vector
NETWORK
Complexity
HIGH
Privileges
HIGH
User Interaction
REQUIRED
Scope
UNCHANGED
Confidentiality
HIGH
Integrity
HIGH
Availability
HIGH
Vector?

Quick Info

StatusMODIFIED
CWE
CWE-59

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