CVE-2023-2576 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2023-2576, an access control flaw in GitLab versions 13.7 to 16.1.1, allowing unauthorized merges to protected branches. Mitigate risks with updates and security practices.
This CVE record relates to an improper access control vulnerability in GitLab, affecting various versions of GitLab CE/EE. The vulnerability was published on July 13, 2023, by GitLab.
Understanding CVE-2023-2576
This section provides insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-2576.
What is CVE-2023-2576?
CVE-2023-2576 is an improper access control vulnerability discovered in GitLab CE/EE. It affects versions ranging from 13.7 to 16.1.1, allowing a developer to bypass CODEOWNERS rules and merge to a protected branch.
The Impact of CVE-2023-2576
The vulnerability could be exploited by an attacker to circumvent access controls, potentially leading to unauthorized code changes in protected branches and compromising the integrity of the codebase.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-2576
Delve into the specifics of the vulnerability to understand its implications and technical aspects.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from a lack of proper access control mechanisms in GitLab versions 13.7 to 16.1.1, enabling developers to remove CODEOWNERS rules and merge code to protected branches without appropriate authorization.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitLab versions starting from 13.7 before 15.11.10, versions starting from 16.0 before 16.0.6, and versions starting from 16.1 before 16.1.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
An attacker with access to the vulnerable GitLab instances can exploit this flaw by manipulating the access control checks to override CODEOWNERS rules and perform unauthorized merges to protected branches.
Mitigation and Prevention
Explore the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2576 and prevent potential security incidents.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to upgrade their GitLab installations to versions 15.11.10, 16.0.6, 16.1.1, or newer to remediate the vulnerability and enhance access control mechanisms.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing strong access control policies, regularly monitoring code changes, and conducting security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Staying vigilant about security updates released by GitLab and promptly applying patches to address known vulnerabilities is crucial to maintaining a secure software environment.