GitLab: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity
CVE-2024-8233 is a high-severity inefficient algorithmic 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. The record lists versions 17.4.6, 17.5.4, 17.6.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating GitLab to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.76% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update GitLab to 17.4.6 or 17.5.4 or 17.6.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- 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 | 9.4 up to, but not including, 17.4.6; 17.5 up to, but not including, 17.5.4; 17.6 up to, but not including, 17.6.2 | 17.4.6, 17.5.4, 17.6.2 |
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 CNA (gitlab.com).
Official description
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions from 9.4 before 17.4.6, 17.5 before 17.5.4, and 17.6 before 17.6.2. An attacker could cause a denial of service with requests for diff files on a commit or merge request.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity
An algorithm in a product has an inefficient worst-case computational complexity that may be detrimental to system performance and can be triggered by an attacker, typically using crafted manipulations that ensure that the worst case is being reached.
More Inefficient Algorithmic Complexity vulnerabilities (CWE-407)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/480867Exploit, Issue Tracking
Other references
- hackerone.com/reports/2650086Permissions 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 Inefficient Algorithmic 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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