CVE-2021-22240 : What You Need to Know

A detailed overview of CVE-2021-22240, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.

Understanding CVE-2021-22240

This section delves into the vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22240 in GitLab EE.

What is CVE-2021-22240?

CVE-2021-22240 refers to an improper access control issue in GitLab EE versions 13.11.6, 13.12.6, and 14.0.2. This vulnerability allows users to bypass user creation restrictions via single sign-on.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22240

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium severity. With a CVSS base score of 4.1, it poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22240

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability, including the description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper access control in GitLab EE, enabling users to bypass user creation limitations even when user caps are enforced.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab EE versions affected by this vulnerability include 13.11.6, 13.12.6, and 14.0.2.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit the system through single sign-on, creating users despite the user creation restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the CVE-2021-22240 vulnerability and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their GitLab EE installations to versions higher than 13.11.6, 13.12.6, and 14.0.2 to address this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict access controls, monitoring user creation activities, and regularly updating GitLab EE can enhance long-term security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply patches and updates released by GitLab to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.