CVE-2021-22185 : What You Need to Know

Insufficient input sanitization in wikis in GitLab version 13.8 and up allows an attacker to exploit a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability via a specially-crafted commit to a wiki.

Understanding CVE-2021-22185

This CVE describes a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in GitLab that affects versions >=13.8 and <13.9.2.

What is CVE-2021-22185?

CVE-2021-22185 highlights the issue of insufficient input sanitization in GitLab's wiki feature, enabling attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks through specially-crafted commits.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22185

The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5.4 (Medium severity) and requires low privileges for exploitation. Successful attacks could lead to the manipulation of wiki content, potentially compromising user confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22185

The vulnerability in GitLab has the following technical details:

Vulnerability Description

Insufficient input sanitization in wikis

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab versions >=13.8 and <13.9.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by submitting a crafted commit to a wiki.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-22185, take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to version 13.8.5 or 13.9.2
Monitor wiki commits for suspicious activity

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GitLab to the latest version
Educate users on secure coding practices and recognizing phishing attempts

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and security updates promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.