CVE-2023-1965 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published by GitLab on May 3, 2023. It pertains to an issue discovered in GitLab EE software that affects multiple versions, allowing malicious actors to exploit a lack of verification on a specific parameter.

Understanding CVE-2023-1965

This section will provide insights into the nature of the CVE-2023-1965 vulnerability and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-1965?

CVE-2023-1965 identifies a vulnerability in GitLab EE that enables a maliciously crafted URL to acquire access tokens granted for 3rd party Group SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) logins. Notably, this vulnerability occurs in versions ranging from 14.2 to 15.11.1, where proper verification of the RelayState parameter is lacking.

The Impact of CVE-2023-1965

The impact of CVE-2023-1965 includes the potential compromise of access tokens meant for 3rd party Group SAML SSO logins, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive information and resources within affected systems. This vulnerability poses a high risk to confidentiality and integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1965

Delving into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-1965 will provide a clearer understanding of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a lack of verification on the RelayState parameter in GitLab EE, allowing threat actors to manipulate URLs and gain access tokens intended for 3rd party Group SAML SSO logins.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab EE versions 14.2 to 15.11.1 are impacted by CVE-2023-1965. Specifically, versions 14.2 to 15.9.6, 15.10 to 15.10.5, and 15.11 to 15.11.1 are vulnerable to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of verification on the RelayState parameter, malicious entities can construct URLs to obtain access tokens meant for 3rd party Group SAML SSO logins, potentially leading to unauthorized access within affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-1965 is crucial for enhancing the security posture of GitLab EE instances.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include updating GitLab EE to versions that contain patches addressing CVE-2023-1965, disabling potentially vulnerable features, and monitoring for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing security best practices such as regular security audits, employee training on phishing and social engineering attacks, and maintaining up-to-date security protocols can help mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates released by GitLab to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-1965 is essential in safeguarding systems from exploitation. Ensuring prompt patch management can significantly reduce the risk of potential security breaches.