Vulnerability · Published Sep 2, 2025 · Assigned by zdi

CVE-2025-9276Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert Empty Root Password Authentication Bypass Vulnerability

Critical 9.8

In plain English

A critical-severity security flaw in cockroach-k8s-request-cert from Cockroach Labs. There are no confirmed reports of exploitation so far. The chance it is exploited in the next 30 days is estimated at 0.7% (higher than 51% of all known vulnerabilities).

Severity (CVSS 3.0)9.8Critical

Exploit odds (30 days)0.7%top 48.5% of all CVEs

Exploited in the wildNo reportsCISA SSVC: none

Attack toolingNoneno public tooling known

Official description

Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert Empty Root Password Authentication Bypass Vulnerability. This vulnerability could allow remote attackers to bypass authentication on systems that use the affected version of the Cockroach Labs cockroach-k8s-request-cert container image. The specific flaw exists within the configuration of the system shadow file. The issue results from a blank password setting for the root user. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to bypass authentication on the system. Was ZDI-CAN-22195.

Affected products (as reported)

Vendor	Product	Versions
Cockroach Labs	cockroach-k8s-request-cert	cockroachdb/cockroach-k8s-request-cert:latest

Weakness: CWE-258 · Vector: CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

References

ZDI-25-855 x_research-advisory