CVE-2023-23939

What it is

Azure/setup-kubectl is a GitHub Action for installing Kubectl. This vulnerability only impacts versions before version 3. An insecure temporary creation of a file allows other actors on the Actions runner to replace the Kubectl binary created by this action because it is world writable. This Kubectl tool installer runs `fs.chmodSync(kubectlPath, 777)` to set permissions on the Kubectl binary, however, this allows any local user to replace the Kubectl binary. This allows privilege escalation to the user that can also run kubectl, most likely root. This attack is only possible if an attacker somehow breached the GitHub actions runner or if a user is utilizing an Action that maliciously executes this attack. This has been fixed and released in all versions `v3` and later. 775 permissions are used instead. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this issue.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited locally on the machine with an admin-level account. Limited direct impact.

Exploit odds

0.4% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2023-03-06 19:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 05:38 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 0.4% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 3.9 LOW (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-03-06 19:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:38 UTC

Exploit probability

0.4% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-732 · Incorrect permission assignment

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Microsoft Azure Setup Kubectl < 3.0

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 3.9

Attack vector

Local

Complexity

High

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

Low

Integrity

Low

Availability

Low

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2023-23939.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-23939. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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