CVE-2023-23947

What it is

Argo CD is a declarative, GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes. All Argo CD versions starting with 2.3.0-rc1 and prior to 2.3.17, 2.4.23 2.5.11, and 2.6.2 are vulnerable to an improper authorization bug which allows users who have the ability to update at least one cluster secret to update any cluster secret. The attacker could use this access to escalate privileges (potentially controlling Kubernetes resources) or to break Argo CD functionality (by preventing connections to external clusters). A patch for this vulnerability has been released in Argo CD versions 2.6.2, 2.5.11, 2.4.23, and 2.3.17. Two workarounds are available. Either modify the RBAC configuration to completely revoke all `clusters, update` access, or use the `destinations` and `clusterResourceWhitelist` fields to apply similar restrictions as the `namespaces` and `clusterResources` fields.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with an admin-level account. High risk of data exposure, data tampering, service disruption.

Exploit odds

0.7% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

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

Timeline

1. 2023-02-16 18:15 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: 0.7% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 9.1 CRITICAL (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-02-16 18:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:38 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-863 · Incorrect authorization

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Argoproj Argo Cd < 2.3.17
• Argoproj Argo Cd < 2.4.23
• Argoproj Argo Cd < 2.5.11
• Argoproj Argo Cd < 2.6.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 9.1

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

High

Availability

High

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-2023-23947.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-23947. 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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