CVE-2023-27484

What it is

crossplane-runtime is a set of go libraries used to build Kubernetes controllers in Crossplane and its related stacks. In affected versions an already highly privileged user able to create or update Compositions can specify an arbitrarily high index in a patch's `ToFieldPath`, which could lead to excessive memory usage once such Composition is selected for a Composite resource. Compositions allow users to specify patches inserting elements into arrays at an arbitrary index. When a Composition is selected for a Composite Resource, patches are evaluated and if a specified index is greater than the current size of the target slice, Crossplane will grow that slice up to the specified index, which could lead to an excessive amount of memory usage and therefore the Pod being OOM-Killed. The index is already capped to the maximum value for a uint32 (4294967295) when parsed, but that is still an unnecessarily large value. This issue has been addressed in versions 1.11.2, 1.10.3, and 1.9.2. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade can restrict write privileges on Compositions to only admin users as a workaround.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited from the same network segment with an admin-level account. High risk of 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. 2023-03-09 21:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 05:45 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: 6.2 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2023-03-09 21:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 05:45 UTC

Exploit probability

0.7% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-20 · Improper input validation

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Crossplane < 1.9.2
• Crossplane < 1.10.3
• Crossplane < 1.11.2

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.2

Attack vector

Adjacent network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

High

User interaction

None

Scope

Changed

Confidentiality

None

Integrity

None

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-2023-27484.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2023-27484. 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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