CVE-2019-19088 : Security Advisory and Response

Gitlab Enterprise Edition (EE) versions 11.3 to 12.4.2 are vulnerable to Directory Traversal.

Understanding CVE-2019-19088

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Gitlab Enterprise Edition (EE) versions 11.3 to 12.4.2 that allows for Directory Traversal.

What is CVE-2019-19088?

Directory Traversal is a security exploit that allows an attacker to access files and directories that are outside the web root folder. In this case, it affects Gitlab Enterprise Edition versions 11.3 to 12.4.2.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19088

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to access sensitive files and data on the affected Gitlab instances, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19088

Gitlab Enterprise Edition (EE) versions 11.3 to 12.4.2 are susceptible to the following:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows for Directory Traversal, enabling unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory structure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Gitlab Enterprise Edition (EE)
Versions: 11.3 to 12.4.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating file paths to access files and directories outside the intended scope, potentially compromising sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-19088, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Gitlab Enterprise Edition to a patched version that addresses the Directory Traversal vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive files and directories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent directory traversal vulnerabilities.
Regularly audit and review file access permissions to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Gitlab promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation.