CVE-2023-4912 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An uncontrolled resource consumption vulnerability has been discovered in GitLab EE, affecting multiple versions and allowing an attacker to trigger a client-side denial of service using a specially crafted mermaid diagram input.

Understanding CVE-2023-4912

This CVE identifier pertains to a security flaw within GitLab EE that creates a potential risk for client-side denial of service attacks.

What is CVE-2023-4912?

The CVE-2023-4912 vulnerability in GitLab EE exists across versions spanning from 10.5 to 16.6.1. Attackers could exploit this flaw by manipulating mermaid diagram input, leading to uncontrolled resource consumption.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4912

This vulnerability has a low severity base score of 2.6 but poses a risk of client-side denial of service. The attack vector is network-based with a high attack complexity and low privileges required.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4912

The following technical aspects shed light on the nature of this vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The issue revolves around uncontrolled resource consumption, allowing malicious actors to trigger a denial of service attack on the client-side.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of GitLab EE from 10.5 to 16.6.1 are susceptible to this vulnerability. Users with versions below 16.4.3, 16.5.3, and 16.6.1 are advised to upgrade promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can leverage the vulnerability by using specially crafted mermaid diagram input, exploiting the lack of control over resources in affected GitLab versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4912, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab EE to versions 16.4.3, 16.5.3, 16.6.1, or newer to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and patch or update GitLab instances promptly to ensure protection against emerging threats.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches released by GitLab and promptly apply them to ensure a secure environment for your GitLab deployments.