CVE-2018-20489 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability has been found in GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions prior to 11.4.13, 11.5.x prior to 11.5.6, and 11.6.x prior to 11.6.1. The vulnerability relates to an incorrect implementation of access control.

Understanding CVE-2018-20489

This CVE identifies a security issue in GitLab versions before specific releases, leading to an access control problem.

What is CVE-2018-20489?

CVE-2018-20489 is a vulnerability in GitLab Community and Enterprise Editions that existed in versions before certain releases due to an incorrect access control implementation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20489

The vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information or perform actions they are not supposed to, compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20489

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

An issue was discovered in GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition before 11.4.13, 11.5.x before 11.5.6, and 11.6.x before 11.6.1. It has Incorrect Access Control.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab Community and Enterprise Edition versions prior to 11.4.13
GitLab 11.5.x versions prior to 11.5.6
GitLab 11.6.x versions prior to 11.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to bypass access controls and gain unauthorized entry into the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE-2018-20489 vulnerability, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 11.4.13, 11.5.6, or 11.6.1 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability.
Review and adjust access control settings to ensure proper restrictions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch GitLab installations to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and assessments to identify and address any security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by GitLab and promptly apply them to secure your systems.