CVE-2023-50726: Users with `create` but not `override` privileges can perform local sync in argo-cd

Description

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. "Local sync" is an Argo CD feature that allows developers to temporarily override an Application's manifests with locally-defined manifests. Use of the feature should generally be limited to highly-trusted users, since it allows the user to bypass any merge protections in git. An improper validation bug allows users who have `create` privileges but not `override` privileges to sync local manifests on app creation. All other restrictions, including AppProject restrictions are still enforced. The only restriction which is not enforced is that the manifests come from some approved git/Helm/OCI source. The bug was introduced in 1.2.0-rc1 when the local manifest sync feature was added. The bug has been patched in Argo CD versions 2.10.3, 2.9.8, and 2.8.12. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade may mitigate the risk of branch protection bypass by removing `applications, create` RBAC access. The only way to eliminate the issue without removing RBAC access is to upgrade to a patched version.

CVSS vector

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:N/I:L/A:L

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges

Low

User interaction

None

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Scope

Changed

Exploitation

Is it being used?

Exploit prediction (EPSS)0.5% · higher than 45% of CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo evidence yet

CISA KEVNot listed

Ransomware campaign useNot known

Affected products

Which versions

AR

argo-cd · argoproj

>= 1.2.0-rc1, < 2.8.12; >= 2.9.0, < 2.9.8; >= 2.10.0, < 2.10.3 · source: vendor

AC

Argo CD · Argoproj

1.2.0 before 2.8.12; 2.9.0 before 2.9.7; 2.10.0 before 2.10.3 · source: NVD