CVE-2021-22197 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An infinite loop vulnerability has been discovered internally by the GitLab team, affecting GitLab versions from 10.6 to 13.10.1.

Understanding CVE-2021-22197

This CVE-2021-22197 pertains to an issue found in GitLab CE/EE software that triggers an infinite loop. When a certified user with specific rights interacts with a merge request containing source and target branches pointing to each other, the vulnerability is exploited.

What is CVE-2021-22197?

The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to create an infinite loop situation within GitLab software by manipulating specific parameters, potentially causing uncontrolled resource consumption.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22197

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 3.5, this low severity vulnerability in GitLab can lead to a denial of service condition due to uncontrolled resource consumption. It requires user interaction and low privileges to exploit.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22197

The technical details include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability triggers an infinite loop condition in GitLab CE/EE versions 10.6 to 13.10.1 when specific user actions are performed on merge requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab versions from 10.6 to 13.10.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated user with certain rights can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating merge requests containing interlinked source and target branches.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2021-22197, users and administrators can take the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 13.8.7, 13.9.5, or 13.10.1 where the vulnerability is fixed.
Monitor merge requests for any unusual activity that might indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GitLab software to the latest patched versions to mitigate the risk of known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of avoiding unusual actions within merge requests.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from GitLab and promptly apply patches and updates to eliminate known vulnerabilities.