CVE-2020-10535 : What You Need to Know

GitLab 12.8.x before 12.8.6, when sign-up is enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass email domain restrictions within the two-day grace period for an unconfirmed email address.

Understanding CVE-2020-10535

This CVE highlights a vulnerability in GitLab versions prior to 12.8.6 that could be exploited by remote attackers.

What is CVE-2020-10535?

CVE-2020-10535 is a security flaw in GitLab that enables attackers to circumvent email domain restrictions during the grace period for unconfirmed email addresses.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10535

The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access and compromise of user accounts within the affected GitLab instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10535

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue occurs in GitLab 12.8.x versions before 12.8.6, specifically when sign-up is enabled, allowing attackers to bypass email domain restrictions during the grace period for unconfirmed email addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GitLab
Vendor: N/A
Versions: GitLab 12.8.x before 12.8.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the two-day grace period for unconfirmed email addresses to bypass email domain restrictions and gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-10535 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade affected GitLab instances to version 12.8.6 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Disable sign-up functionality if not essential to prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit user accounts and access controls within GitLab.
Educate users on email security best practices to prevent social engineering attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by GitLab to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-10535.