CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-4278NVD status: Analyzed

GitLab: Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-4278 is a high-severity improper neutralization of script-related HTML tags in a web page vulnerability in GitLab, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.7 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 18.0.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating GitLab to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 10.9% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 4.05% of all scored CVEs.

Patch this week

EPSS places it among the vulnerabilities most likely to be exploited soon.

What to do

  1. Update GitLab to 18.0.2 or a later version.
  2. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
GitLabGitLab18.0 up to, but not including, 18.0.218.0.2

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
NoneAvailability is not affected.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. Scored by CNA (gitlab.com).

Official description

An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting with 18.0 before 18.0.2. Under certain conditions html injection in new search page could lead to account takeover.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page

The product receives input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special characters such as <, >, and & that could be interpreted as web-scripting elements when they are sent to a downstream component that processes web pages.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • With Struts, write all data from form beans with the bean's filter attribute set to true.

More Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page vulnerabilities (CWE-80)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other references

Other vulnerabilities in GitLab

All GitLab vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Script-Related HTML Tags in a Web Page vulnerabilities

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