CVE-2018-20683 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-20683 affecting Gitolite versions prior to 3.6.11. Find out how attackers can exploit the mishandling of the rsync command line and steps to mitigate this vulnerability.
In versions of Gitolite prior to 3.6.11, a mishandling of the rsync command line can be exploited by attackers to cause a negative impact.
Understanding CVE-2018-20683
What is CVE-2018-20683?
In Gitolite before version 3.6.11, enabling rsync in the configuration file .gitolite.rc leads to a vulnerability where the rsync command line is mishandled, allowing attackers to exploit it.
The Impact of CVE-2018-20683
This vulnerability can be exploited by attackers to trigger the use of an option other than -v, -n, -q, or -P, resulting in a negative impact.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-20683
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Gitolite before version 3.6.11 arises from the mishandling of the rsync command line when rsync is enabled in the .gitolite.rc configuration file.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions affected: Not applicable
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing an option other than -v, -n, -q, or -P, causing a negative impact.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade Gitolite to version 3.6.11 or newer to mitigate this vulnerability.
- Review and update the .gitolite.rc configuration file to ensure secure handling of rsync.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor for Gitolite updates and security advisories.
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by Gitolite to address this vulnerability.