CVE-2023-1401 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue has been discovered in GitLab's DAST scanner that affects versions starting from 3.0.29 before 4.0.5. This vulnerability leads to the leakage of cross-site cookies on redirect during authorization.

Understanding CVE-2023-1401

This section will cover the details of CVE-2023-1401, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-1401?

CVE-2023-1401 is categorized under CWE-200, which refers to the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. In this case, the vulnerability in GitLab's DAST scanner allows for the leakage of cross-site cookies during authorization, potentially exposing sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1401

The impact of CVE-2023-1401 is considered medium with a CVSS base score of 5.0. The confidentiality impact is low, with no integrity or availability impacts. However, unauthorized actors gaining access to sensitive information can still pose risks to organizations and individuals.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1401

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in GitLab's DAST scanner allows for the leakage of cross-site cookies on redirect during authorization processes, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of GitLab starting from 3.0.29 before 4.0.5 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using these versions should take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized actors can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting the cross-site cookies leaked during authorization, gaining access to sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1401, organizations can take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 4.0.5 or above to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update security patches to address any potential vulnerabilities in software systems.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate security weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from GitLab to ensure timely patching of vulnerabilities and secure software usage.