CVE-2018-18926 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Gitea before version 1.5.4 is vulnerable to remote code execution due to improper validation of session IDs in the go-macaron/session code for Macaron.

Understanding CVE-2018-18926

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Gitea that allows remote code execution.

What is CVE-2018-18926?

Remote code execution is possible in Gitea versions earlier than 1.5.4 due to the lack of proper validation for session IDs. This vulnerability is specifically related to how session IDs are handled in the go-macaron/session code for Macaron.

The Impact of CVE-2018-18926

The vulnerability can be exploited to execute arbitrary code on the affected system, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-18926

Gitea before version 1.5.4 is susceptible to remote code execution due to inadequate session ID validation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of session IDs in the go-macaron/session code for Macaron.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: All versions prior to 1.5.4

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating session IDs to execute malicious code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-18926, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Gitea to version 1.5.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or suspicious activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Educate users and administrators on secure coding practices and the importance of validating user inputs.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Gitea promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.