CVE-2023-2727: Users may be able to launch containers using images that are restricted by ImagePolicyWebhook when using ephem

This month

MEDIUM 6.5WATCHLISTUPGRADE

CVE-2023-2727 is a medium-severity flaw (CVSS 6.5) affecting kubernetes. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Users may be able to launch containers using images that are restricted by ImagePolicyWebhook when using ephemeral containers. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if the ImagePolicyWebhook admission plugin is used together with ephemeral containers.

Why this priority

On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	6.5 (Medium)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	1.1% (top 34%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2023-07-03
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Kubernetes · Vendor: kubernetes

Last updated 2026-06-17 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-07-03 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 05:53 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kubernetes kubernetes UPGRADE

Affected: <= 1.24.14 · >= 1.25.0 and <= 1.25.10 · >= 1.26.0 and <= 1.26.5 · >= 1.27.0 and <= 1.27.2

Fixed in: newer than 1.27.2

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.25.0

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy kubernetes || rpm -q kubernetes || kubernetes --version

2. UPGRADE to newer than 1.27.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install --only-upgrade kubernetes

2. UPGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

sudo dnf upgrade kubernetes

Note

Distros often backport fixes without changing the version number. Confirm with the distro advisory or changelog.

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE to a release before 1.25.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kubernetes sudo apt install kubernetes=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.25.0> sudo apt-mark hold kubernetes

3. If no update is available yet, DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list kubernetes sudo dnf downgrade kubernetes-<VERSION_BEFORE_1.25.0> sudo dnf versionlock add kubernetes

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2023-2727?

kubernetes: upgrade to newer than 1.27.2. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-2727 being exploited?

CVE-2023-2727 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2023-2727 affect?

CVE-2023-2727 affects kubernetes. Severity is medium (CVSS 6.5). Users may be able to launch containers using images that are restricted by ImagePolicyWebhook when using ephemeral containers. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if the ImagePolicyWebhook admission plugin is used together with ephemeral

How urgent is CVE-2023-2727?

Priority 44/100. On your watchlist

Software pages

Kubernetes vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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CVE-2023-3955 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where a user that can create pods on Windows nodes may be able
CVE-2023-3676 HIGH 8.8 UPGRADE A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where a user that can create pods on Windows nodes may be able
CVE-2023-30513 HIGH 7.5 UPGRADE Jenkins Kubernetes Plugin 3909.v1f2c633e8590 and earlier does not properly mask (i.e., replace with asterisks)
CVE-2023-2728 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE Users may be able to launch containers that bypass the mountable secrets policy enforced by the ServiceAccount

References

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