CVE-2022-2326 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A detailed overview of CVE-2022-2326, a vulnerability affecting GitLab versions before 15.0.5, between 15.1 to 15.1.4, and between 15.2 to 15.2.1 that could allow unauthorized access to private projects through email invites.

Understanding CVE-2022-20657

CVE-2022-2326 is a vulnerability in GitLab that impacts versions before 15.0.5, between 15.1 to 15.1.4, and between 15.2 to 15.2.1. It was reported by vaib25vicky through GitLab's bug bounty program.

What is CVE-2022-20657?

An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE that affects the specified versions. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to private projects by utilizing a user's email address as an unverified secondary email.

The Impact of CVE-2022-20657

With a CVSS base score of 6.4 (Medium severity), the vulnerability has a high impact on both confidentiality and integrity. It requires low privileges but user interaction is required, and the attack complexity is rated as high.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-20657

Here are the technical details associated with CVE-2022-20657:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in GitLab allows attackers to potentially access private projects by exploiting email invites with unverified secondary email addresses.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab versions before 15.0.5, between 15.1 to 15.1.4, and between 15.2 to 15.2.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this issue by using another user's email address as an unverified secondary email to gain unauthorized access to private projects.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2022-2326, consider the following mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to version 15.0.5, 15.1.4, or 15.2.1 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Monitor user interactions and email invites for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update GitLab to the latest versions to patch security flaws.
Educate users about the risks of unauthorized email access and encourage email verification processes.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from GitLab and promptly apply patches to ensure the safety of your systems.