CVE-2020-1706

CVE-2020-1706 is a high-severity vulnerability in Redhat Openshift Container Platform with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0. 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-732.

Key facts

Description

It has been found that in openshift-enterprise version 3.11 and openshift-enterprise versions 4.1 up to, including 4.3, multiple containers modify the permissions of /etc/passwd to make them modifiable by users other than root. An attacker with access to the running container can exploit this to modify /etc/passwd to add a user and escalate their privileges. This CVE is specific to the openshift/apb-tools-container.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2020-1706?
It has been found that in openshift-enterprise version 3.11 and openshift-enterprise versions 4.1 up to, including 4.3, multiple containers modify the permissions of /etc/passwd to make them modifiable by users other than root. An attacker with access to the running container can exploit this to modify /etc/passwd to add a user and escalate their privileges. This CVE is specific to the openshift/apb-tools-container.
How severe is CVE-2020-1706?
CVE-2020-1706 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.0, rated high severity. It is exploitable over local access with high attack complexity, requires low privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is high, integrity high, and availability high.
Is CVE-2020-1706 being actively exploited?
It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 0% (16th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2020-1706?
CVE-2020-1706 primarily affects Redhat Openshift Container Platform. In total, 4 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2020-1706?
Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2020-1706 published?
CVE-2020-1706 was published on 2020-03-09 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

Affected products (4)

More vulnerabilities in Redhat Openshift Container Platform

All CVEs affecting Redhat Openshift Container Platform →

Other CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) vulnerabilities

Browse all CWE-732 (Incorrect Permission Assignment for Critical Resource) vulnerabilities →