CVE-2023-5226 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue has been discovered in GitLab that affects various versions, allowing a malicious actor to manipulate repository content in the user interface by bypassing prohibited branch checks.

Understanding CVE-2023-5226

This CVE pertains to an improper control of the generation of code (also known as 'Code Injection') in GitLab, impacting versions before 16.4.3, versions starting from 16.5 before 16.5.3, and versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.1.

What is CVE-2023-5226?

The vulnerability in GitLab allows a specially crafted branch name to be used by a malicious actor to bypass prohibited branch checks and manipulate repository content in the UI.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5226

This vulnerability could lead to unauthorized content manipulation in GitLab repositories, potentially compromising data integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5226

This section provides more insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

GitLab is susceptible to improper control of code generation, enabling an attacker to manipulate repository content using a crafted branch name.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions before 16.4.3
Versions starting from 16.5 before 16.5.3
Versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Under certain circumstances, a threat actor can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specific branch name to evade branch checks and manipulate repository content.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-5226, it is crucial to implement necessary mitigation strategies and security measures to safeguard GitLab instances from potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade GitLab to versions 16.4.3, 16.5.3, 16.6.1, or later.
Monitor repository activities for any suspicious changes or manipulations.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict branch access controls and naming conventions.
Educate users on secure repository management practices to prevent unauthorized content manipulation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by GitLab to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.