CVE-2021-22863 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2021-22863, an improper access control vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server impacting versions 2.20.24, 2.21.15, 2.22.7, and 3.0.1. Find out the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies here.
An improper access control vulnerability was identified in the GitHub Enterprise Server GraphQL API that allowed authenticated users to modify the maintainer collaboration permission of a pull request without proper authorization. This vulnerability impacted versions 2.20.24, 2.21.15, 2.22.7, and 3.0.1. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
Understanding CVE-2021-22863
This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2021-22863 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-22863?
CVE-2021-22863 is an improper access control vulnerability in the GitHub Enterprise Server GraphQL API that allowed authenticated users to manipulate pull request permissions without proper authorization.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22863
Exploiting this vulnerability could grant attackers access to head branches of pull requests, enabling unauthorized modifications.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22863
Explore the technical aspects related to CVE-2021-22863 below.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allowed authenticated users to alter the maintainer collaboration permission of a pull request, potentially compromising the repository's security.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitHub Enterprise Server versions 2.20.24, 2.21.15, 2.22.7, and 3.0.1 were affected by this security flaw.
Exploitation Mechanism
By exploiting this vulnerability, authenticated users could make unauthorized changes to the maintainer permissions of pull requests, leading to potential security breaches.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent CVE-2021-22863 below.
Immediate Steps to Take
Admins are advised to update the GitHub Enterprise Server to fixed versions, i.e., 2.20.24, 2.21.15, 2.22.7, or 3.0.1 to remediate the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Enforce strict branch protections, such as required pull request reviews and status checks, to prevent unauthorized commits and maintain repository integrity.
Patching and Updates
Regularly update GitHub Enterprise Server to the latest versions to ensure protection against known security vulnerabilities.