CVE-2025-1974: Kubernetes ingress-nginx Controller RCE Flaw

CVE-2025-1974 Overview

A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where under certain conditions, an unauthenticated attacker with access to the pod network can achieve arbitrary code execution in the context of the ingress-nginx controller. This can lead to disclosure of Secrets accessible to the controller. (Note that in the default installation, the controller can access all Secrets cluster-wide.)

Critical Impact
Unauthorized access and arbitrary code execution poses severe risks to system integrity and data confidentiality.

Affected Products

Kubernetes ingress-nginx controller
Not Available
Not Available

Discovery Timeline

Not Available - Vulnerability discovered by Not Available
Not Available - Responsible disclosure to Not Available
Not Available - CVE CVE-2025-1974 assigned
Not Available - Not Available releases security patch
2025-03-25 - CVE CVE-2025-1974 published to NVD
2025-11-10 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-1974

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the ingress-nginx controller of Kubernetes. An attacker, without any authentication, can exploit this flaw if they have network access to the pod. The main impact is arbitrary code execution, allowing the attacker to execute commands in the context of the ingress controller, potentially leading to full system compromise.

Root Cause

The root cause of this vulnerability is improper input validation in the ingress-nginx controller, which fails to adequately check network-originated requests.

Attack Vector

This vulnerability is exploited over the network, where an attacker sends malicious payloads to the pod network, aiming at the ingress-nginx controller.

bash

# Example exploitation code (sanitized)
curl -X POST http://vulnerable-ingress/controller --data 'malicious_payload'

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-1974

Indicators of Compromise

Unusual ingress-nginx logging entries
Unexpected network traffic patterns to the ingress controller
Unauthorized execution of commands in ingress controller context

Detection Strategies

Security systems should monitor network traffic for anomalous patterns directed at ingress-nginx endpoints. Systems should also log and analyze execution context changes inside the controller.

Monitoring Recommendations

Implement continuous monitoring of ingress-nginx controller logs and network traffic. Employ scanning and intrusion detection systems to look for signature patterns associated with CVE-2025-1974 exploit attempts.

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-1974

Immediate Actions Required

Limit network access to ingress-nginx to trusted hosts only
Monitor and log ingress-nginx traffic for anomalies
Apply resource quotas and limits to ingress-nginx pods to mitigate impact

Patch Information

Consult the Kubernetes and ingress-nginx official documentation for the latest patches and updates designed to mitigate this vulnerability.

Workarounds

As an interim solution, restrict ingress-nginx controller access through strict network policies and use firewalls to control incoming connections.