CVE-2018-16050 : What You Need to Know

GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.1.x before 11.1.5 and 11.2.x before 11.2.2 are affected by a Persistent XSS vulnerability in the Merge Request Changes View.

Understanding CVE-2018-16050

This CVE identifies a security issue in GitLab versions 11.1.x and 11.2.x that could allow for Persistent XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2018-16050?

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the Merge Request Changes View of GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.1.x before 11.1.5 and 11.2.x before 11.2.2, which could be exploited by attackers to execute Persistent XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-16050

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized execution of scripts in a victim's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing actions on behalf of the user without their consent.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-16050

GitLab versions 11.1.x before 11.1.5 and 11.2.x before 11.2.2 are susceptible to a Persistent XSS vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The Merge Request Changes View in affected GitLab versions allows for the execution of malicious scripts, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.1.x before 11.1.5
GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.2.x before 11.2.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Merge Request Changes View, which, when executed, can lead to unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-16050.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GitLab to versions 11.1.5 and 11.2.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any suspicious activities or unauthorized script executions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch GitLab installations to ensure the latest security fixes are applied.
Educate users and developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

GitLab released security patches in versions 11.1.5 and 11.2.2 to address the Persistent XSS vulnerability.