CVE-2022-24730 is a security vulnerability affecting Argo CD, a popular declarative GitOps continuous delivery tool for Kubernetes environments. The vulnerability exists in versions starting from 1.3.0 up to but not including 2.1.11, 2.2.6, and 2.3.0. It involves a path traversal flaw (CWE-22) combined with improper access control (CWE-284) in the repo-server component of Argo CD. Specifically, a malicious user with read-only access to a Git repository containing a Helm chart can exploit the `/api/v1/repositories/{repo_url}/appdetails` API endpoint by crafting a request that references files outside the intended directory scope. This allows the attacker to read arbitrary files on the repo-server filesystem, potentially leaking sensitive information such as secrets mounted as files or source code from other applications' repositories. The attacker must either know or guess the file paths to exploit the vulnerability effectively. The flaw arises because the path traversal is not properly restricted, and access control checks are insufficient, allowing users with only `get` permissions on a repository to access data they should not. The vulnerability has been addressed in Argo CD versions 2.1.11, 2.2.6, and 2.3.0 by implementing stricter path validation and tightening access controls so that only users with Application `create` privileges or those with `get` privileges on an application linked to the repository URL can retrieve such details. No known workarounds exist, making patching critical. There are no known exploits in the wild at the time of reporting, but the potential for sensitive data leakage is significant given the nature of the flaw and the typical use of Argo CD in managing Kubernetes deployments and secrets.

For European organizations, especially those leveraging Kubernetes and GitOps workflows with Argo CD, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information. The ability to read arbitrary files on the repo-server could expose confidential application source code, configuration files, or secrets such as credentials and tokens, which are often mounted as files in Kubernetes environments. This leakage can lead to further compromise, including lateral movement within the infrastructure, privilege escalation, or disruption of services. Organizations in sectors with stringent data protection requirements (e.g., finance, healthcare, critical infrastructure) may face compliance risks under GDPR if sensitive data is exposed. Additionally, the breach of secrets could undermine the integrity and availability of Kubernetes deployments, potentially causing service outages or unauthorized modifications. Since Argo CD is widely used in DevOps pipelines, exploitation could also disrupt continuous delivery processes, impacting operational efficiency and business continuity.

1. Immediate upgrade of Argo CD installations to versions 2.1.11, 2.2.6, or 2.3.0 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. 2. Review and tighten repository access controls to ensure that only trusted users have `get` access to repositories containing Helm charts or sensitive data. 3. Implement strict network segmentation and access policies to limit exposure of the Argo CD API endpoints to trusted networks and users. 4. Audit mounted secrets and files on the repo-server to minimize sensitive data exposure and consider using Kubernetes secrets management best practices, such as external secret stores or encryption. 5. Monitor API usage logs for unusual or unauthorized access patterns to the `/api/v1/repositories/{repo_url}/appdetails` endpoint. 6. Employ runtime security tools to detect anomalous file access or path traversal attempts within the Argo CD environment. 7. Incorporate vulnerability scanning and security testing in the CI/CD pipeline to detect outdated or vulnerable Argo CD versions proactively. 8. Educate DevOps and security teams about the risks of path traversal and the importance of least privilege principles in GitOps workflows.