CVE-2023-1084 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides an overview of CVE-2023-1084, including details on the vulnerability, its impact, technical description, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-1084

CVE-2023-1084 is a security vulnerability discovered in GitLab CE/EE, impacting all versions before 15.7.8, versions starting from 15.8 before 15.8.4, and versions starting from 15.9 before 15.9.2. The vulnerability allows a malicious project Maintainer to create a Project Access Token with Owner level privileges via a specially crafted request.

What is CVE-2023-1084?

The CVE-2023-1084 vulnerability, classified as "Improper authorization in GitLab," could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or actions within the GitLab platform.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1084

With a CVSSv3.1 base score of 2.7 (Low), the impact of CVE-2023-1084 is considered low. However, the potential for unauthorized access and manipulation of GitLab projects can pose risks to data confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1084

The technical details of CVE-2023-1084 include the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper authorization controls in GitLab, allowing unauthorized creation of Project Access Tokens with elevated privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab CE/EE versions before 15.7.8, versions starting from 15.8 before 15.8.4, and versions starting from 15.9 before 15.9.2 are affected by CVE-2023-1084.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, a malicious project Maintainer can craft a request to create a Project Access Token with Owner level privileges, bypassing proper authorization checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1084, immediate steps should be taken to mitigate the risks and secure GitLab instances. Long-term security practices and timely patching are essential to prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GitLab to versions 15.7.8, 15.8.4, and 15.9.2 or newer to remediate the vulnerability. Review and revoke any suspicious or unauthorized Project Access Tokens to limit potential impact.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure proper access control mechanisms are in place within GitLab to prevent unauthorized privilege escalation. Regularly monitor and audit access token creation and usage to detect any suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from GitLab and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities. Continuously monitor for security updates and implement a robust patch management process to safeguard against future threats.