CVE-2021-22196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-22196 affecting GitLab CE/EE versions >=13.4, <13.10.1. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this stored cross-site scripting flaw.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 13.4, allowing exploitation of a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in a merge request via a specially crafted branch name.
Understanding CVE-2021-20657
This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-20657 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-20657?
The vulnerability in GitLab CE/EE versions >=13.4, <13.10.1 enables a stored cross-site scripting flaw, potentially leading to unauthorized script execution in a user's browser.
The Impact of CVE-2021-20657
The impact of this vulnerability includes high confidentiality impact, low integrity impact, and a medium base score of 6.3 CVSS, making it a significant security concern.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-20657
This section delves into the technical details of the CVE-2021-20657 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious scripts through a crafted branch name in a merge request in affected GitLab versions.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitLab versions >=13.4 and <13.10.1 are affected by this security flaw, potentially exposing users to cross-site scripting attacks.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability requires low privileges, user interaction, and network access. Attack complexity is low, but confidentiality impact is high.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-20657.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their GitLab instances to versions not affected by the vulnerability and sanitize all input to prevent script injection.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, regularly updating software, and educating users on phishing and social engineering can enhance overall security posture.
Patching and Updates
GitLab has released patches for the affected versions to address this vulnerability. Users should apply the latest security updates promptly to safeguard their systems.