CVE-2020-8554
Kubernetes man in the middle using LoadBalancer or ExternalIPs
- Published
- Jan 21, 2021
- Updated
- Jun 1, 2026
- Assigning CNA
- kubernetes
- Evidence observed
- Aug 5, 2026
Primary CVSS
nvd · CVSS 3.1
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:L/A:LLow · next 30 days
- Percentile
- 95.2%
- Model date
- Sep 21, 2026
EPSS is a statistical estimate, not a certainty or a measure of impact. Combine it with CVSS, KEV status, exposure and your environment.
Summary
Kubernetes API server in all versions allow an attacker who is able to create a ClusterIP service and set the spec.externalIPs field, to intercept traffic to that IP address. Additionally, an attacker who is able to patch the status (which is considered a privileged operation and should not typically be granted to users) of a LoadBalancer service can set the status.loadBalancer.ingress.ip to similar effect.
Sources
1Proof-of-concept exploit for CVE-2020-8554, demonstrating Kubernetes service externalIP manipulation to achieve man-in-the-middle attacks on cluster traffic.
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