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.
# 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.
# Configuration example
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -s trusted-source -j ACCEPT
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
