GitLab Remote Command Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2021-22205) Threat Alert

GitLab Remote Command Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2021-22205) Threat Alert

November 23, 2021 | Jie Ji

Overview

Recently, NSFOCUS monitored that researchers disclosed the exploitation program of GitLab remote command execution vulnerability (CVE-2021-22205), and found that the existence of unauthorized endpoints in GitLab cause the vulnerability exploitable without authentication. Both Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE) are affected. On April 15, GitLab official released a security update to fix the GitLab command execution vulnerability (CVE-2021-22205). Because ExifTool in GitLab improperly handle the extension of the incoming image file, which can allow the attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target server by uploading specially-crafted malicious images. CVSS Score: 9.9. At present, it has been used in the wild. The affected users please take measures for protection as soon as possible.

GitLab is an open-source project for warehouse management systems developed by GitLab Inc.. Using Git as a code management tool can access public or private projects via the Web interface.

Reference link: https://about.gitlab.com/releases/2021/04/14/security-release-gitlab-13-10-3-released/

Scope of Impact

Affected Versions

  • 11.9 <= Gitlab CE/EE < 13.8.8
  • 13.9 <= Gitlab CE/EE < 13.9.6
  • 13.10 <= Gitlab CE/EE < 13.10.3

Vulnerability Check

Users can determine whether their application is vulnerable by checking the current version. To check the current GitLab version, run the following command:

cat /opt/gitlab/embedded/service/gitlab-rails/VERSION

If it is one of the affected versions, the application is vulnerable.

Mitigation

Official Fix

Currently, the preceding vulnerabilities have been fixed in the latest version. If you are affected by these vulnerabilities, please upgrade your installation as soon as possible via https://about.gitlab.com/update/

Workaround

If related users cannot upgrade for the time being, they can use a whitelist to restrict access to web ports.

Statement

This advisory is only used to describe a potential risk. NSFOCUS does not provide any commitment or promise on this advisory. NSFOCUS and the author will not bear any liability for any direct and/or indirect consequences and losses caused by transmitting and/or using this advisory. NSFOCUS reserves all the rights to modify and interpret this advisory. Please include this statement paragraph when reproducing or transferring this advisory. Do not modify this advisory, add/delete any information to/from it, or use this advisory for commercial purposes without permission from NSFOCUS.

About NSFOCUS

NSFOCUS, Inc., a global network and cyber security leader, protects enterprises and carriers from advanced cyber attacks. The company’s Intelligent Hybrid Security strategy utilizes both cloud and on-premises security platforms, built on a foundation of real-time global threat intelligence, to provide multi-layered, unified and dynamic protection against advanced cyber attacks.

NSFOCUS works with Fortune Global 500 companies, including four of the world’s five largest financial institutions, organizations in insurance, retail, healthcare, critical infrastructure industries as well as government agencies. NSFOCUS has technology and channel partners in more than 60 countries, is a member of both the Microsoft Active Protections Program (MAPP), and the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA).

A wholly owned subsidiary of NSFOCUS Technologies Group Co., Ltd., the company has operations in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.