CVE-2018-20144 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2018-20144 affecting GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.x before 11.3.13, 11.4.x before 11.4.11, and 11.5.x before 11.5.4. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.x prior to 11.3.13, 11.4.x prior to 11.4.11, and 11.5.x prior to 11.5.4 are affected by an Incorrect Access Control vulnerability.
Understanding CVE-2018-20144
This CVE involves an access control issue in GitLab versions prior to the specified patches.
What is CVE-2018-20144?
The Incorrect Access Control vulnerability affects GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.x before 11.3.13, 11.4.x before 11.4.11, and 11.5.x before 11.5.4.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20144
This vulnerability could allow unauthorized access to certain functionalities within GitLab, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized actions.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20144
GitLab's Incorrect Access Control vulnerability has the following technical details:
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the access control mechanisms of GitLab versions 11.x before 11.3.13, 11.4.x before 11.4.11, and 11.5.x before 11.5.4.
Affected Systems and Versions
- GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.x before 11.3.13
- GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.4.x before 11.4.11
- GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions 11.5.x before 11.5.4
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the incorrect access controls to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or perform unauthorized actions within GitLab.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2018-20144, follow these mitigation steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GitLab to version 11.3.13, 11.4.11, or 11.5.4, which contain patches for this vulnerability.
- Monitor access logs for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update GitLab to the latest versions to ensure all security patches are applied.
- Implement least privilege access controls to restrict unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates from GitLab and promptly apply patches to mitigate known vulnerabilities.