CVE-2018-18642 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2018-18642, a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions earlier than 11.2.7, 11.3.x before 11.3.8, and 11.4.x before 11.4.3, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts.
GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions earlier than 11.2.7, 11.3.x before 11.3.8, and 11.4.x before 11.4.3 are vulnerable to XSS attacks.
Understanding CVE-2018-18642
This CVE identifies a cross-site scripting vulnerability in GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition.
What is CVE-2018-18642?
CVE-2018-18642 is a security flaw in GitLab versions prior to 11.2.7, 11.3.x before 11.3.8, and 11.4.x before 11.4.3 that allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in a victim's web browser.
The Impact of CVE-2018-18642
This vulnerability exposes users to XSS attacks, enabling threat actors to inject and execute scripts in the context of a user's session, potentially leading to account compromise or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-18642
GitLab's XSS vulnerability has the following technical aspects:
Vulnerability Description
The issue in GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions earlier than 11.2.7, 11.3.x before 11.3.8, and 11.4.x before 11.4.3 allows for cross-site scripting attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions prior to 11.2.7
- GitLab 11.3.x before 11.3.8
- GitLab 11.4.x before 11.4.3
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into GitLab instances, which are then executed in the browsers of users accessing the affected GitLab versions.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-18642, follow these mitigation strategies:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade GitLab to versions 11.2.7, 11.3.8, or 11.4.3 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
- Regularly monitor and audit user-generated content for suspicious scripts.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) to mitigate XSS risks.
- Educate users on safe browsing practices and the dangers of executing untrusted scripts.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates from GitLab and promptly apply patches to secure your systems against known vulnerabilities.