CVE-2023-3115 : What You Need to Know

An improper access control vulnerability has been discovered in GitLab EE, affecting all versions from 11.11 prior to 16.2.8, 16.3 prior to 16.3.5, and 16.4 prior to 16.4.1. This vulnerability could allow indirect project members to access public members-only project repositories without proper enforcement of Single Sign-On restrictions.

Understanding CVE-2023-3115

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-3115, including its impact, technical details, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3115?

CVE-2023-3115 is an improper access control vulnerability in GitLab EE that affects multiple versions, potentially enabling unauthorized access to restricted project repositories.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3115

The vulnerability could be exploited by indirect project members to access public members-only project repositories, bypassing Single Sign-On restrictions. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information or unauthorized changes to project data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3115

Understanding the technical aspects of the vulnerability is crucial to implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a failure to correctly enforce Single Sign-On restrictions for indirect project members, allowing unauthorized access to restricted repositories.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts GitLab EE versions from 11.11 to 16.2.8, 16.3 to 16.3.5, and 16.4 to 16.4.1. Users running these versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers could gain access to public members-only project repositories, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or modifications.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking immediate steps to address CVE-2023-3115 and implementing long-term security practices are essential to protect systems from exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to upgrade GitLab EE to versions 16.2.8, 16.3.5, 16.4.1, or above to mitigate the improper access control vulnerability. Additionally, organizations should review and adjust their Single Sign-On configurations to ensure proper enforcement of access restrictions.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, organizations should regularly conduct security assessments, implement access control best practices, and stay updated on security patches and updates from GitLab.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by GitLab is crucial to addressing known vulnerabilities and enhancing the security of GitLab EE instances. It is important to stay informed about security advisories and act promptly to secure systems against potential threats.