GitLab: Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity
CVE-2023-2132 is a high-severity inefficient regular expression complexity vulnerability in GitLab, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected GitLab versions: >=15.4.0, <15.10.8; >=15.11, <15.11.7; >=16.0, <16.0.2. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.32% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 71% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
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 | >=15.4.0, <15.10.8; >=15.11, <15.11.7; >=16.0, <16.0.2 | 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
- NoneNo data is disclosed.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (gitlab.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 15.4 before 15.10.8, all versions starting from 15.11 before 15.11.7, all versions starting from 16.0 before 16.0.2. A DollarMathPostFilter Regular Expression Denial of Service in was possible by sending crafted payloads to the preview_markdown endpoint.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity
The product uses a regular expression with a worst-case computational complexity that is inefficient and possibly exponential.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use regular expressions that do not support backtracking, e.g. by removing nested quantifiers.
- Set backtracking limits in the configuration of the regular expression implementation, such as PHP's pcre.backtrack_limit. Also consider limits on execution time for the process.
- Do not use regular expressions with untrusted input. If regular expressions must be used, avoid using backtracking in the expression.
More Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity vulnerabilities (CWE-1333)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: poc, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- hackerone.com/reports/1934711Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory
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 Inefficient Regular Expression Complexity vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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