CVE-2021-39882 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about CVE-2021-39882, a GitLab vulnerability allowing unauthorized user information access. Explore its impact, technical details, and mitigation steps.
CVE-2021-39882 is a vulnerability found internally in GitLab that allows anonymous users to retrieve information about any GitLab user. This article provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to this CVE.
Understanding CVE-2021-39882
This section delves into the specifics of the CVE and its implications.
What is CVE-2021-39882?
In all versions of GitLab CE/EE, there exists an improper authorization issue where anonymous users, given a user ID, can access certain endpoints to gather details about any GitLab user.
The Impact of CVE-2021-39882
The vulnerability has a CVSS base score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The impact is as follows:
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Attack Vector: Network
- Confidentiality Impact: Low
- Integrity Impact: None
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N
Technical Details of CVE-2021-39882
This section provides detailed technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability stems from improper authorization settings in GitLab, enabling unauthorized access to user information.
Affected Systems and Versions
The following versions of GitLab are affected:
- GitLab version >=1.0, <14.1.7
- GitLab version >=14.2, <14.2.5
- GitLab version >=14.3, <14.3.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Anonymous users can exploit specific endpoints in GitLab to retrieve sensitive details about users, compromising confidentiality.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines steps to address and prevent the CVE.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update GitLab to version 14.1.7, 14.2.5, or 14.3.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Restrict access permissions to sensitive user information.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and adjust GitLab authorization settings.
- Conduct security audits to identify and remediate any similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches released by GitLab to address known vulnerabilities.