CVE-2023-3904 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

An improper access control vulnerability has been discovered in GitLab EE, affecting multiple versions prior to specific releases. This vulnerability allowed attackers to overflow the time spent on an issue, leading to altered details displayed in the issue boards.

Understanding CVE-2023-3904

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-3904, shedding light on the vulnerability's impact, technical aspects, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3904?

The CVE-2023-3904 vulnerability in GitLab EE relates to an improper access control issue categorized under CWE-284. This vulnerability specifically allowed for time overflow on an issue, resulting in modifications to the displayed information on the issue boards.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3904

The impact of CVE-2023-3904 could potentially enable unauthorized users to manipulate issue details on GitLab EE, compromising the integrity and accuracy of the information presented on issue boards.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3904

This section provides deeper insights into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3904, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in GitLab EE involved improper access control, particularly allowing for the overflow of time spent on an issue, leading to unauthorized alterations in the details displayed on issue boards.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab versions prior to 16.4.4, 16.5.4, and 16.6.2 were impacted by CVE-2023-3904, highlighting the importance of upgrading to the specified versions or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the improper access control issue, threat actors could manipulate the time spent on issues within GitLab EE, potentially distorting the information visible on issue boards.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2023-3904 requires immediate action to mitigate risks and prevent unauthorized access or alterations to issue details on GitLab EE.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations utilizing affected GitLab versions should promptly upgrade to versions 16.4.4, 16.5.4, 16.6.2, or above to safeguard their systems and prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control measures, regularly monitoring and updating systems, and maintaining awareness of security vulnerabilities are essential long-term security practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying software patches and updates provided by GitLab is crucial to addressing vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-3904 and ensuring the overall security of the platform.