CVE-2021-22178 : Security Advisory and Response
Get detailed insights into CVE-2021-22178 affecting GitLab versions 13.2 to 13.8.4, making them susceptible to SSRF attacks through Prometheus integration. Learn how to mitigate this security risk.
An overview of CVE-2021-22178, a vulnerability affecting GitLab versions starting from 13.2, making it susceptible to server-side request forgery attacks through the Prometheus integration.
Understanding CVE-2021-22178
In this section, we will delve into the details of the GitLab vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22178.
What is CVE-2021-22178?
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 13.2. GitLab was vulnerable to server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks through the Prometheus integration.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22178
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 4.9, classifying it as of medium severity. With low privileges required, this vulnerability could lead to potential data confidentiality risks.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22178
This section provides more technical insights into the specifics of CVE-2021-22178.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an attacker to conduct SSRF attacks through the Prometheus integration, exploiting systems running GitLab versions above 13.2.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitLab versions starting from 13.2 up to versions prior to 13.8.4 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Through SSRF attacks leveraging the Prometheus integration, threat actors can manipulate server-side requests to access sensitive information or execute arbitrary commands.
Mitigation and Prevention
Here we outline the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-22178.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their GitLab installations to versions beyond 13.8.4 to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, configuring network controls can help restrict unauthorized access.
Long-Term Security Practices
Establishing robust security measures, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on SSRF attack prevention can enhance the long-term security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and staying updated with the latest versions of GitLab is crucial to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities and attacks.