CVE-2018-20501 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GitLab versions 11.4.13 and earlier, 11.5.x before 11.5.6, and 11.6.x before 11.6.1 are affected by an access control issue.

Understanding CVE-2018-20501

This CVE identifies a security problem in GitLab Community and Enterprise Editions that could lead to access control vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2018-20501?

CVE-2018-20501 is a vulnerability found in GitLab versions 11.4.13 and earlier, 11.5.x before 11.5.6, and 11.6.x before 11.6.1, related to access control.

The Impact of CVE-2018-20501

This vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to gain access to sensitive information or perform actions they are not supposed to.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-20501

GitLab's security issue is detailed below:

Vulnerability Description

The problem lies in incorrect access control mechanisms within affected GitLab versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab Community and Enterprise Editions before 11.4.13, 11.5.x before 11.5.6, and 11.6.x before 11.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users could exploit this vulnerability to bypass access controls and potentially gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-20501, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 11.4.13, 11.5.6, or 11.6.1, which contain fixes for the access control issue.
Review and adjust access control settings to ensure proper restrictions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update access control configurations.
Conduct security audits to identify and address any access control weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from GitLab and promptly apply patches to mitigate vulnerabilities.