CVE-2020-7966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

GitLab EE 11.11 and later through 12.7.2 allows Directory Traversal.

Understanding CVE-2020-7966

GitLab EE 11.11 and later through 12.7.2 is vulnerable to Directory Traversal.

What is CVE-2020-7966?

CVE-2020-7966 is a vulnerability in GitLab EE versions 11.11 through 12.7.2 that enables Directory Traversal, potentially allowing unauthorized access to files outside the intended directory.

The Impact of CVE-2020-7966

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to access sensitive files and data on the affected GitLab instances, leading to potential data breaches and unauthorized information disclosure.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-7966

GitLab EE 11.11 and later through 12.7.2 are affected by a Directory Traversal vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker to navigate through directories and access files outside the intended scope, potentially leading to unauthorized data access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GitLab EE
Versions: 11.11 through 12.7.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating file paths to access files and directories beyond the intended boundaries, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate action is necessary to address CVE-2020-7966 and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GitLab EE to a patched version that addresses the Directory Traversal vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities indicating potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and restrictions to limit directory traversal and unauthorized file access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by GitLab promptly to fix the Directory Traversal vulnerability and enhance system security.