CVE-2021-22221 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact and mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-22221, a critical vulnerability in GitLab versions 12.9.0 to 13.12.2. Learn how to secure your GitLab environment.
A critical vulnerability has been discovered in GitLab software, affecting multiple versions. This article provides insights into CVE-2021-22221 detailing its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.
Understanding CVE-2021-22221
This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-22221 vulnerability in GitLab.
What is CVE-2021-22221?
The vulnerability in GitLab versions starting from 12.9.0 before 13.10.5, 13.11.0 before 13.11.5, and 13.12.0 before 13.12.2 allows users to maintain limited access after their password has expired due to insufficient validation.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22221
With a CVSS base score of 6.5 (Medium Severity), this vulnerability poses a significant risk by enabling users to retain access privileges even after their password expiration, potentially compromising data integrity and confidentiality.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22221
This section elaborates on the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-22221 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from weak password enforcement in GitLab, facilitating unauthorized access post password expiration.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitLab versions between 12.9.0 to 13.10.5, 13.11.0 to 13.11.5, and 13.12.0 to 13.12.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the insufficient expired password validation to maintain unauthorized access to GitLab instances.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines steps to mitigate and prevent potential exploitation of CVE-2021-22221.
Immediate Steps to Take
Immediately update the affected GitLab versions to the patched releases to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Enforce strong password policies, conduct regular security assessments, and monitor user access to maintain a secure GitLab environment.
Patching and Updates
Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by GitLab to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.