CVE-2020-13328 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting versions prior to 13.1.2, 13.0.8, and 12.10.13. GitLab was vulnerable to a stored XSS by using the PyPi files API.

Understanding CVE-2020-13328

This CVE involves a stored cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in GitLab, impacting specific versions of the software.

What is CVE-2020-13328?

CVE-2020-13328 is a security vulnerability found in GitLab versions before 13.1.2, 13.0.8, and 12.10.13, allowing for stored XSS through the PyPi files API.

The Impact of CVE-2020-13328

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 4.8. It requires high privileges for exploitation and user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-13328

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, leading to cross-site scripting in GitLab.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GitLab
Vulnerable Versions:
=12.0, <12.10.13

=13.0, <13.0.8

=13.1, <13.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through the PyPi files API, allowing attackers to execute stored XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-13328, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 12.10.13, 13.0.8, or 13.1.2 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual activities on the platform that could indicate an exploit.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GitLab to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from GitLab and apply patches promptly to secure the system.