How severe is CVE-2019-11251?

CVE-2019-11251 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.

Is CVE-2019-11251 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2019-11251?

CVE-2019-11251 primarily affects Kubernetes. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2019-11251?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.

When was CVE-2019-11251 published?

CVE-2019-11251 was published on 2020-02-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2019-11251

CVE-2019-11251 is a medium-severity vulnerability in Kubernetes with a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.8. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-59.

Key facts

Severity: Medium (CVSS 3.x base score 4.8)
CVSS v2: 4.3
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (84th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-59
Affected product: Kubernetes
Published: 2020-02-03
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The Kubernetes kubectl cp command in versions 1.1-1.12, and versions prior to 1.13.11, 1.14.7, and 1.15.4 allows a combination of two symlinks provided by tar output of a malicious container to place a file outside of the destination directory specified in the kubectl cp invocation. This could be used to allow an attacker to place a nefarious file using a symlink, outside of the destination tree.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2019-11251?: The Kubernetes kubectl cp command in versions 1.1-1.12, and versions prior to 1.13.11, 1.14.7, and 1.15.4 allows a combination of two symlinks provided by tar output of a malicious container to place a file outside of the destination directory specified in the kubectl cp invocation. This could be used to allow an attacker to place a nefarious file using a symlink, outside of the destination tree.
How severe is CVE-2019-11251?: CVE-2019-11251 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 4.8, rated medium severity. It is exploitable over network with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity high, and availability none.
Is CVE-2019-11251 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (84th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2019-11251?: CVE-2019-11251 primarily affects Kubernetes. In total, 2 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2019-11251?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround.
When was CVE-2019-11251 published?: CVE-2019-11251 was published on 2020-02-03 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (2)

cpe:2.3:a:kubernetes:kubernetes:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:kubernetes:kubernetes:1.1-1.12:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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