Vulnerable OpenSSL Version in Container Images

A container image was using an outdated and vulnerable version of OpenSSL, exposing the cluster to known security vulnerabilities.

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What Happened

A critical vulnerability in OpenSSL was discovered after deploying a container that had not been updated to use a secure version of the library.

Diagnosis Steps

1Analyzed the Dockerfile and confirmed the container image was based on an outdated version of OpenSSL.
2Cross-referenced the CVE database and identified that the version used in the container had known vulnerabilities.

Root Cause

The container image was built with an outdated version of OpenSSL that contained unpatched vulnerabilities.

Fix/Workaround

• Rebuilt the container image using a newer, secure version of OpenSSL.
• Deployed the updated image and monitored for any further issues.

Lessons Learned

Always ensure that containers are built using updated and patched versions of libraries to mitigate known vulnerabilities.

How to Avoid

1Integrate automated vulnerability scanning tools into the CI/CD pipeline to identify outdated or vulnerable dependencies.
2Regularly update container base images to the latest secure versions.