A significant security flaw, identified as CVE-2025-47933, has been discovered in Argo CD, a widely used GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes environments. This cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized actions, including creating, modifying, and deleting Kubernetes resources, by injecting malicious JavaScript into the Argo CD interface.
Scope and Impact
The vulnerability affects Argo CD versions from 1.2.0-rc1 up to the recently patched versions v3.0.4, v2.14.13, and v2.13.8. With a Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) base score of 9.1, this flaw poses a critical risk to organizations utilizing GitOps workflows for managing Kubernetes deployments.
Technical Details
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to have permissions to edit repository configurations within the Argo CD interface. Once these permissions are obtained, the attacker can inject crafted `javascript:` URLs into repository links. When legitimate users, particularly administrators, click these malicious links, the embedded scripts execute within their browser context. This execution leverages the users’ elevated permissions to perform unauthorized API operations, effectively allowing the attacker to manipulate Kubernetes resources managed through Argo CD.
The root cause of CVE-2025-47933 lies in improper URL protocol validation within Argo CD’s user interface components. Specifically, the vulnerability exists in the `ui/src/app/shared/components/urls.ts` file, where the code fails to properly validate repository URL protocols before processing them. This oversight allows malicious `javascript:` schemes to bypass security filters, creating an XSS attack vector.
Mitigation Measures
Argo CD maintainers have released patches addressing CVE-2025-47933 across multiple version branches. Organizations are strongly advised to upgrade to the following patched versions immediately: v3.0.4, v2.14.13, or v2.13.8, depending on their current deployment. The patches implement proper URL validation mechanisms that return null when validation fails, effectively preventing malicious URL injection.
Unfortunately, no complete workarounds exist besides upgrading to the patched versions. Therefore, prompt action is essential to secure Kubernetes infrastructures managed through Argo CD.
Broader Context
This vulnerability underscores the critical importance of rigorous input validation and security best practices in complex distributed systems like Kubernetes orchestration platforms. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in applying security updates to mitigate potential risks associated with such vulnerabilities.
