CVE-2021-22194 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-22194 affecting GitLab.

Understanding CVE-2021-22194

This article provides insights into the vulnerability, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-22194 in GitLab.

What is CVE-2021-22194?

The vulnerability in GitLab allowed marshalled session keys to be stored insecurely in Redis across all versions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22194

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.7, the vulnerability had a medium severity level, exposing sensitive information and integrity compromises in affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22194

Explore the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2021-22194 vulnerability below.

Vulnerability Description

GitLab versions <13.7.8, >=13.8 and <13.8.5, and >=13.9 and <13.9.2 were affected by the insecure storage of marshalled session keys in Redis, posing a confidentiality and integrity risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of GitLab were affected by this vulnerability due to the improper handling of session keys in Redis storage.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited locally with high attack complexity and required high privileges but didn't impact availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the necessary steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2021-22194 vulnerability in GitLab.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update GitLab to versions 13.7.8, 13.8.5, and 13.9.2 or newer to address the vulnerability and secure session key storage.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, monitor Redis storage, and conduct regular security audits to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and stay updated with GitLab security advisories to protect against emerging threats.