CVE-2017-8438

Name: CVE-2017-8438
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2017-06-05T14:29:00.28+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

UnknownEPSS 1.03%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2017-8438 is a vulnerability of currently unknown severity. Elastic X-Pack Security versions 5.0.0 to 5.4.0 contain a privilege escalation bug in the run_as functionality. This bug prevents transitioning into the specified user specified in a run_as request. EPSS estimates a 1.03% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

Elastic X-Pack Security versions 5.0.0 to 5.4.0 contain a privilege escalation bug in the run_as functionality. This bug prevents transitioning into the specified user specified in a run_as request. If a role has been created using a template that contains the _user properties, the behavior of run_as will be incorrect. Additionally if the run_as user specified does not exist, the transition will not happen.

Metrics

EPSS Probability

1.03%

59.1th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Elastic	X-Pack	5.0.0
Elastic	X-Pack	5.0.1
Elastic	X-Pack	5.0.2
Elastic	X-Pack	5.1.0
Elastic	X-Pack	5.1.1
Elastic	X-Pack	5.2.0
Elastic	X-Pack	5.2.1
Elastic	X-Pack	5.2.2
Elastic	X-Pack	5.3.0
Elastic	X-Pack	5.3.1
Elastic	X-Pack	5.3.2
Elastic	X-Pack	5.3.3
Elastic	X-Pack	5.4.0

References

https://discuss.elastic.co/t/elastic-stack-5-4-1-and-5-3-3-security-updates/87952Vendor Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/blog/elasticsearch-5-4-1-and-5-3-3-releasedPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/community/securityVendor Advisory
https://discuss.elastic.co/t/elastic-stack-5-4-1-and-5-3-3-security-updates/87952Vendor Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/blog/elasticsearch-5-4-1-and-5-3-3-releasedPatch, Vendor Advisory
https://www.elastic.co/community/securityVendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Jun 5, 2017
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2017-8438?

How severe is CVE-2017-8438?

Severity scoring for CVE-2017-8438 is pending analysis. The EPSS model estimates a 1.03% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2017-8438?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2017-8438?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST