CVE-2021-39874 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The CVE-2021-39874 vulnerability affects GitLab versions 11.0 to 14.3.1, potentially leading to improper 2FA enforcement when using git commands.

Understanding CVE-2021-39874

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-39874.

What is CVE-2021-39874?

In all versions of GitLab CE/EE from 11.0 onwards, there is a failure to enforce 2FA when git commands are utilized.

The Impact of CVE-2021-39874

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.3 (Medium severity). Key points include:

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Integrity Impact: Low
Privileges Required: Low
Exploitation Scope: Unchanged

Technical Details of CVE-2021-39874

This section dives into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves improper authorization in GitLab, leading to bypassing 2FA when using git commands.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: GitLab
Vendor: GitLab
Versions: >=11.0, <14.1.7; >=14.2, <14.2.5; >=14.3, <14.3.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited through network-based attacks that manipulate the 2FA enforcement process.

Mitigation and Prevention

Explore the immediate actions and long-term security practices to mitigate CVE-2021-39874 risk.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GitLab to versions 14.1.7, 14.2.5, or 14.3.1 to address the vulnerability
Enforce strong authentication practices within the organization

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit authentication processes
Educate users on the importance of 2FA and secure Git practices
Implement security controls to detect unauthorized access attempts

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and update GitLab regularly to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.