Description
Missing authentication for critical function in Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Published: 2026-07-24
Score: 10 Critical
EPSS: < 1% Very Low
KEV: No
Impact: n/a
Action: n/a
AI Analysis

Impact

An unauthorized attacker can exploit a missing authentication check on a critical function in Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service, enabling them to elevate privileges over the network. This flaw is a classic example of CWE-306, where a lack of authentication allows an intruder to perform privileged operations. The immediate consequence is that an attacker who can reach the affected service can gain higher-level access, potentially subverting the entire Kubernetes cluster.

Affected Systems

Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service is the affected product. No specific version information is provided, so all deployments may be vulnerable until a patch is applied.

Risk and Exploitability

The vulnerability scores a perfect 10 on the CVSS scale, indicating maximum severity. The EPSS score is under 1 %, meaning the likelihood of exploitation in the wild is very low at present. The vulnerability is not yet listed in the CISA KEV catalog, implying no known active exploitation. The attack vector is inferred to be over the network, as the description references an unauthorized attacker elevating privileges across a network connection to the service.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 3, 2026 at 20:12 UTC.

Remediation

No vendor fix or workaround currently provided.

OpenCVE Recommended Actions

  • Apply the latest Azure Kubernetes Service update or patch when Microsoft releases it to fix the missing authentication check.
  • Restrict network access to the Kubernetes API server using Azure Network Security Groups and enforce strict firewall rules so only trusted sources can reach the API.
  • Enable Azure Active Directory integration or other authentication mechanisms to ensure all critical functions require validated credentials before execution.

Generated by OpenCVE AI on August 3, 2026 at 20:12 UTC.

Tracking

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Advisories

No advisories yet.

History

Fri, 24 Jul 2026 18:30:00 +0000

Type Values Removed Values Added
Description Missing authentication for critical function in Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service allows an unauthorized attacker to elevate privileges over a network.
Title Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service Elevation of Privilege Vulnerability
First Time appeared Microsoft
Microsoft azure Kubernetes Service
Weaknesses CWE-306
CPEs cpe:2.3:a:microsoft:azure_kubernetes_service:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
Vendors & Products Microsoft
Microsoft azure Kubernetes Service
References
Metrics cvssV3_1

{'score': 10, 'vector': 'CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H/E:U/RL:O/RC:C'}

ssvc

{'options': {'Automatable': 'yes', 'Exploitation': 'none', 'Technical Impact': 'total'}, 'version': '2.0.3'}


Subscriptions

Microsoft Azure Kubernetes Service
cve-icon MITRE

Status: PUBLISHED

Assigner: microsoft

Published:

Updated: 2026-08-10T17:15:07.937Z

Reserved: 2026-06-19T13:53:31.988Z

Link: CVE-2026-56163

cve-icon Vulnrichment

Updated: 2026-07-24T15:33:35.885Z

cve-icon NVD

Status : Analyzed

Published: 2026-07-24T15:18:33.030

Modified: 2026-07-29T14:57:34.423

Link: CVE-2026-56163

cve-icon Redhat

No data.

cve-icon OpenCVE Enrichment

Updated: 2026-08-03T20:15:04Z

Weaknesses
  • CWE-306

    Missing Authentication for Critical Function