GitLab: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2023-1708 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in GitLab, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected GitLab versions: >=1.0, <15.8.5; >=15.9, <15.9.4; >=15.10, <15.10.1. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.11% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 66% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of GitLab you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- Read the advisory on gitlab.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| GitLab | GitLab | >=1.0, <15.8.5; >=15.9, <15.9.4; >=15.10, <15.10.1 | Not stated |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.7 | Medium | CNA (gitlab.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
An issue was identified in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions from 1.0 prior to 15.8.5, 15.9 prior to 15.9.4, and 15.10 prior to 15.10.1 where non-printable characters gets copied from clipboard, allowing unexpected commands to be executed on victim machine.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
- If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
- Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
- hackerone.com/reports/1805604Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in GitLab
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 7.3 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Sophos Web Appliance Command Injection Exploited
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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