CVE-2023-5528: A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where a user that can create pods and persistent volumes on Wind

This month

HIGH 7.2WATCHLISTUPGRADEMITIGATE

CVE-2023-5528 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.2) affecting kubernetes, fedora. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where a user that can create pods and persistent volumes on Windows nodes may be able to escalate to admin privileges on those nodes. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if they are using an in-tree storage plugin for Windows nodes.

Why this priority

High severity
EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited
On your watchlist

A fixed release or distro patch exists.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.2 (High)
Attack vector	Network (remote)
Attack complexity	Low
Privileges needed	High
User interaction	None
EPSS exploit chance	4.1% (top 9%)
CISA exploited list	No
Weakness	CWE-20
Published	2023-11-14
Last modified	2026-06-17

Publisher (CNA): Kubernetes · Vendor: fedoraproject · kubernetes

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

Am I affected?

Timeline

2023-11-14 21:15 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-17 06:48 UTCUpdated Record last modified

kubernetes kubernetes UPGRADE

Affected: >= 1.8.0 and < 1.25.16 · >= 1.26.0 and < 1.26.11 · >= 1.27.0 and < 1.27.8 · >= 1.28.0 and < 1.28.4

Fixed in: 1.25.16, 1.26.11, 1.27.8, 1.28.4

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 1.8.0

1. Check installed version

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

2. UPGRADE to 1.25.16 (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 1.8.0 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison kubernetes sudo apt install kubernetes=<VERSION_BEFORE_1.8.0> 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_1.8.0> 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.

fedoraproject fedora MITIGATE

Affected: 37 · 38 · 39

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 37

Check your OS release

cat /etc/os-release; uname -r

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt update && sudo apt full-upgrade

RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora

sudo dnf upgrade --refresh

Windows

Install the latest cumulative update from Windows Update

If no patch exists yet

OS downgrades are not safe. Apply the vendor mitigation from the advisory and restrict exposure.

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-2023-5528?

kubernetes: upgrade to 1.25.16, 1.26.11, 1.27.8, 1.28.4; fedora: mitigate or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2023-5528 being exploited?

CVE-2023-5528 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-2023-5528 affect?

CVE-2023-5528 affects kubernetes, fedora. Severity is high (CVSS 7.2). A security issue was discovered in Kubernetes where a user that can create pods and persistent volumes on Windows nodes may be able to escalate to admin privileges on those nodes. Kubernetes clusters are only affected if they are using an i

How urgent is CVE-2023-5528?

Priority 53/100. High severity; EPSS top 9%: very likely to be exploited; On your watchlist

Software pages

Kubernetes vulnerabilities · Windows vulnerabilities

Related CVEs

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
CVE-2023-2727 MEDIUM 6.5 UPGRADE Users may be able to launch containers using images that are restricted by ImagePolicyWebhook when using ephem

References

← Back to latest CVEs