CVE-2020-10518 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2020-10518, a critical remote code execution vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server versions 2.19, 2.20, and 2.21. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
A remote code execution vulnerability was identified in GitHub Enterprise Server that could be exploited when building a GitHub Pages site. This CVE affected versions 2.19, 2.20, and 2.21 of GitHub Enterprise Server.
Understanding CVE-2020-10518
This CVE highlights a critical vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server that allowed remote code execution through unsafe configuration options in GitHub Pages.
What is CVE-2020-10518?
CVE-2020-10518 is a remote code execution vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server that could be exploited by manipulating configuration options in GitHub Pages.
The Impact of CVE-2020-10518
The vulnerability allowed attackers to execute commands on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance by exploiting user-controlled configuration of GitHub Pages parsers.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-10518
This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stemmed from insufficient restrictions on user-controlled configuration of GitHub Pages parsers, enabling the execution of arbitrary commands on the server.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: GitHub Enterprise Server
- Affected Versions: 2.19, 2.20, 2.21
Exploitation Mechanism
To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker needed permission to create and build a GitHub Pages site on the GitHub Enterprise Server instance.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2020-10518 requires immediate action and long-term security measures.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GitHub Enterprise Server to versions 2.19.21, 2.20.15, or 2.21.6 to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict permissions for creating and building GitHub Pages sites.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update security configurations for GitHub Pages.
- Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches promptly to GitHub Enterprise Server to mitigate the risk of remote code execution.