Description
Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. In versions 2.13.0 through 2.13.8, 2.14.0 through 2.14.15, 3.0.0 through 3.0.12 and 3.1.0-rc1 through 3.1.1, API tokens with project-level permissions are able to retrieve sensitive repository credentials (usernames, passwords) through the project details API endpoint, even when the token only has standard application management permissions and no explicit access to secrets. This vulnerability does not only affect project-level permissions. Any token with project get permissions is also vulnerable, including global permissions such as: `p, role/user, projects, get, *, allow`. This issue is fixed in versions 2.13.9, 2.14.16, 3.0.14 and 3.1.2.
EPSS Score:
0%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2025-26875
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Overview: The vulnerability affects Argo CD, a GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. Specific versions of Argo CD allow API tokens with project-level permissions to retrieve sensitive repository credentials (usernames, passwords) through the project details API endpoint, even when the token only has standard application management permissions and no explicit access to secrets.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 10.0 (Critical)
- Base Score Version: CVSS 3.1
- Base Score Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
The CVSS score of 10.0 indicates a critical vulnerability. The vector string highlights several key factors:
- Attack Vector (AV:N): Network-based attack.
- Attack Complexity (AC:L): Low complexity required for exploitation.
- Privileges Required (PR:L): Low privileges required.
- User Interaction (UI:N): No user interaction required.
- Scope (S:C): Change in scope.
- Confidentiality (C:H), Integrity (I:H), Availability (A:H): High impact on all three.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attacks: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network.
- API Token Misuse: Any API token with project-level permissions or global permissions such as
p, role/user, projects, get, *, allowcan be used to retrieve sensitive repository credentials.
Exploitation Methods:
- Unauthorized Access: An attacker with a low-privileged API token can access the project details API endpoint to retrieve sensitive credentials.
- Credential Theft: Once the credentials are obtained, the attacker can use them to gain unauthorized access to repositories, potentially leading to further data breaches or unauthorized modifications.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Versions:
- Argo CD 2.13.0 through 2.13.8
- Argo CD 2.14.0 through 2.14.15
- Argo CD 3.0.0 through 3.0.12
- Argo CD 3.1.0-rc1 through 3.1.1
Fixed Versions:
- Argo CD 2.13.9
- Argo CD 2.14.16
- Argo CD 3.0.14
- Argo CD 3.1.2
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade Argo CD: Upgrade to the fixed versions (2.13.9, 2.14.16, 3.0.14, 3.1.2) immediately.
- Revoke Compromised Tokens: Revoke any API tokens that may have been compromised and issue new tokens with appropriate permissions.
- Monitor API Access: Implement monitoring and logging for API access to detect any unauthorized activities.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure that API tokens are granted the minimum necessary permissions.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments.
- Access Controls: Implement robust access controls and authentication mechanisms.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance:
- GDPR: Unauthorized access to sensitive credentials can lead to data breaches, violating GDPR regulations and resulting in significant fines.
- NIS Directive: Organizations in critical sectors must ensure the security of their networks and information systems, making this vulnerability a critical concern.
Industry Impact:
- Financial Institutions: High risk due to the sensitive nature of financial data.
- Healthcare: Potential exposure of patient data, leading to severe legal and ethical consequences.
- Government Agencies: Compromise of governmental data can have national security implications.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerability Details:
- CVE ID: CVE-2025-55190
- References:
Technical Mitigation:
- Patch Management: Ensure that all instances of Argo CD are patched to the latest secure versions.
- Token Management: Implement a robust token management system that includes regular rotation and monitoring.
- Intrusion Detection: Deploy intrusion detection systems (IDS) to monitor for suspicious API activities.
Conclusion: The vulnerability in Argo CD is critical and requires immediate attention. Organizations using the affected versions should prioritize upgrading to the patched versions and implement stringent access controls to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. Regular audits and monitoring will help in maintaining a secure environment and ensuring compliance with European cybersecurity regulations.