CVE-2023-32196 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in github.com/rancher/rancher (go), affecting versions >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.14. It is fixed in 2.7.14, 2.8.5.
Impact A vulnerability has been identified whereby privilege escalation checks are not properly enforced for RoleTemplateobjects when external=true, which in specific scenarios can lead to privilege escalation. The bug in the webhook rule resolver ignores rules from a ClusterRole for external RoleTemplates when its context is set to either project or is left empty. The fix introduces a new field to the RoleTemplate CRD named ExternalRules. The new field will be used to resolve rules directly from the RoleTemplate. Additionally, rules from the backing ClusterRole will be used if ExternalRules is not provided. The new field will always take precedence when it is set, and serve as the source of truth for rules used when creating Rancher resources on the local cluster. Please note that this is a breaking change for external RoleTemplates, when context is set to project or empty and the backing ClusterRole does not exist, as this was not previously required. Important: The fix is automatically applied when upgrading to the release lines 2.8and above. For users still on the 2.7 release line, after the upgrade to a patched version, users are required to opt-in to the fix by enabling the external-rules feature flag. Please consult the associated MITRE ATT&CK - Technique - Exploitation for Privilege Escalation for further information about this category of attack. Patches Patched versions include releases 2.7.14 and 2.8.5. Workarounds The following script was developed for Rancher Manager administrators to identify RoleTemplates impacted by this vulnerability. The script requires jq installed and a kubeconfig with access to Rancher local cluster; it can also be executed in Rancher's kubectl shell. It will return all objects affected by this vulnerability. The administrator can fix those objects by creating the backing ClusterRole that they refer to. References CVE-2023-32196 If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: Reach out to the SUSE Rancher Security team for security-related inquiries. Open an issue in the Rancher repository. Verify with our support matrix and product support lifecycle.
The application assigns, modifies, tracks, or checks privileges incorrectly, allowing a user to gain elevated access. Typical impact: privilege escalation beyond the intended level.
CVE-2023-32196 has a CVSS score of 6.6 (High). The vector is network-reachable, high privileges required, and no user interaction. A CVSS score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether this affects your application depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable in your environment.
A fixed version is available (2.7.14, 2.8.5). Upgrading removes the vulnerable code path.
go
github.com/rancher/rancher (>= 2.7.0, < 2.7.14)github.com/rancher/rancher (>= 2.8.0, < 2.8.5)github.com/rancher/rancher → 2.7.14 (go)github.com/rancher/rancher → 2.8.5 (go)Severity tells you how bad this could be in the worst case. It does not tell you whether you are exposed. Exploitability and impact are functions of runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A vulnerable package can sit in your dependency tree and never run.
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Already deployed Kodem? See CVE-2023-32196 in your environment →Upgrade the following packages to resolve this vulnerability:
github.com/rancher/rancher to 2.7.14 or latergithub.com/rancher/rancher to 2.8.5 or laterKodem Kai can prioritize this vulnerability in your dependency tree and generate a fix recommendation.
CVE-2023-32196 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in github.com/rancher/rancher (go), affecting versions >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.14. It is fixed in 2.7.14, 2.8.5. The application assigns, modifies, tracks, or checks privileges incorrectly, allowing a user to gain elevated access.
CVE-2023-32196 has a CVSS score of 6.6 (High). This score reflects the worst-case severity of the vulnerability, not your specific exposure. Whether it represents real risk in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable.
github.com/rancher/rancher (go) versions >= 2.7.0, < 2.7.14 is affected.
Yes. CVE-2023-32196 is fixed in 2.7.14, 2.8.5. Upgrade to this version or later.
Whether CVE-2023-32196 is exploitable in your environment depends on whether the vulnerable code is present and reachable. A CVSS score is a worst-case rating; it does not account for your specific deployment, configuration, or usage patterns. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to show which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so you can focus on the ones that represent real risk. Get a demo
Exploitability and impact are not fixed properties of a CVE. They depend on runtime truth: whether the vulnerable code is present, reachable, and actually executes in your application. A high CVSS score on a dependency that never runs is not the same as real risk. Kodem, an Intelligent Application Security platform, uses runtime intelligence to reveal which vulnerabilities actually execute in production, so teams prioritize the ones that genuinely matter.
github.com/rancher/rancher to 2.7.14 or latergithub.com/rancher/rancher to 2.8.5 or later