CVE-2023-5963 : Security Advisory and Response
GitLab EE version 13.9 to 16.5.1 is vulnerable to CWE-20. Attackers can exploit excessive syntax operators, leading to denial of service. Learn mitigation steps.
This CVE-2023-5963 pertains to an issue discovered in GitLab EE with Advanced Search, affecting versions 13.9 to 16.3.6, 16.4 prior to 16.4.2, and 16.5 prior to 16.5.1. The vulnerability could lead to a denial of service in the Advanced Search function through the chaining of too many syntax operators.
Understanding CVE-2023-5963
This section will delve into a deeper understanding of the CVE-2023-5963 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2023-5963?
The CVE-2023-5963 is categorized under CWE-20: Improper Input Validation. It allows attackers to exploit the GitLab EE Advanced Search function by chaining excessive syntax operators, leading to a denial of service.
The Impact of CVE-2023-5963
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low severity according to the CVSS v3.1 base score, with an availability impact being the main concern. Attackers with low privileges can potentially disrupt the Advanced Search function, affecting the availability of the service.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-5963
This section will provide detailed technical insights into CVE-2023-5963.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises due to improper input validation in the Advanced Search function of GitLab EE, enabling attackers to exploit the system by chaining an excessive number of syntax operators.
Affected Systems and Versions
GitLab versions 13.9 to 16.3.6, 16.4.0 to 16.4.2, and 16.5.0 to 16.5.1 are affected by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By sending a specifically crafted request with a high number of syntax operators through the Advanced Search function, attackers can trigger a denial of service condition within the affected GitLab versions.
Mitigation and Prevention
Understanding how to mitigate and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-5963 is crucial for ensuring the security of your systems.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to upgrade their GitLab installations to versions 16.3.6, 16.4.2, 16.5.1, or newer to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing robust input validation mechanisms and closely monitoring input data can help prevent similar input validation vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Regularly applying security patches and updates provided by GitLab can help address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of the system.