CVE-2021-39872 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-39872 on GitLab versions 14.1 to 14.3.1. Learn about the unauthorized access vulnerability, its implications, and mitigation steps.
GitLab has a vulnerability that affects versions 14.1 to 14.3.1, allowing users with expired passwords to access GitLab through git and API using access tokens acquired before the expiration.
Understanding CVE-2021-39872
This CVE involves an improper access control vulnerability in GitLab versions 14.1 to 14.3.1.
What is CVE-2021-39872?
In all versions of GitLab CE/EE since version 14.1, an improper access control vulnerability allows users with expired passwords to still access GitLab through git and API using access tokens acquired before password expiration.
The Impact of CVE-2021-39872
- CVSS Base Score: 6.5 (Medium)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: High
Technical Details of CVE-2021-39872
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows users with expired passwords to access GitLab through git and API using pre-expiration access tokens.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: GitLab
- Affected Versions:
=14.1, <14.1.7
=14.2, <14.2.5
=14.3, <14.3.1
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by users with expired passwords using access tokens acquired before the password expiration.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to mitigate and prevent potential exploitation.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Users should update GitLab to versions higher than 14.3.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Users with expired passwords should regenerate access tokens after updating GitLab.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Enforce regular password updates for users on GitLab.
- Implement multi-factor authentication to enhance security.
Patching and Updates
- GitLab users should regularly check for updates and apply patches to stay protected.