CVE-2023-22480
CriticalKubeOperator allows unauthorized access to system API
Published Jan 9, 2023 · Updated Aug 12, 2026 · Also known as GHSA-jxgp-jgh3-8jc8
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2023-22480 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 9.8 v3.1) affecting KubeOperator (Fit2cloud), github.com/KubeOperator/KubeOperator (go).
- It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog. No public exploit code is known.
- EPSS estimates a 67% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including KubeOperator 3.16.4.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
CVSS v3.1
9.8
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
67%
Higher than 99.2% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
No known
Not in a known-exploited catalog
Public exploit code
None known
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Description
KubeOperator is an open source Kubernetes distribution focused on helping enterprises plan, deploy and operate production-level K8s clusters. In KubeOperator versions 3.16.3 and below, API interfaces with unauthorized entities and can leak sensitive information. This vulnerability could be used to take over the cluster under certain conditions. This issue has been patched in version 3.16.4.
Affected Products
3 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| KubeOperatorFit2cloud | >= <= 3.16.3 | 3.16.4 |
| github.com/KubeOperator/KubeOperatorgo | See advisory | n/a |
Patched Releases
KubeOperator
3.16.4
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Jan 9, 2023
Last updated
Aug 12, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-285 Improper Authorization
- CWE-863 Incorrect Authorization
References
- advisoryGHSA advisory
- advisoryhttps://github.com/CVEProject/cvelistV5/tree/main/cves/2023/22xxx/CVE-2023-22480.json
- advisoryhttps://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-22480
- articlehttps://github.com/KubeOperator/KubeOperator/commit/7ef42bf1c16900d13e6376f8be5ecdbfdfb44aaf
- articlehttps://github.com/KubeOperator/KubeOperator/releases/tag/v3.16.4
FAQ
Common Questions.
KubeOperator is an open source Kubernetes distribution focused on helping enterprises plan, deploy and operate production-level K8s clusters.
Affected: KubeOperator (Fit2cloud) versions >= <= 3.16.3; github.com/KubeOperator/KubeOperator (go). The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is not listed in any known-exploited vulnerabilities catalog.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
No public exploit code is known.
Fixed versions are available, including KubeOperator 3.16.4.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is very likely to be exploited soon.
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