CVE-2019-1002101

CVE-2019-1002101 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Kubernetes with a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.4. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score of 13% places it in the 96th percentile, indicating an elevated likelihood of exploitation. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-59.

Key facts

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-1002101?
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.
How severe is CVE-2019-1002101?
CVE-2019-1002101 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 6.4, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires high privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2019-1002101 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 13% (96th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-1002101?
CVE-2019-1002101 primarily affects Kubernetes. In total, 5 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-1002101?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2019-1002101 published?
CVE-2019-1002101 was published on 2019-04-01 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (5)

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