CVE-2023-6803 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a race condition vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server, which allows an unauthorized outside collaborator to be added during a repository transfer process. The vulnerability impacted all versions of GitHub Enterprise Server since 3.8 and was addressed in versions 3.8.12, 3.9.7, 3.10.4, and 3.11.1.

Understanding CVE-2023-6803

This section will provide a deeper insight into CVE-2023-6803, focusing on its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-6803?

The CVE-2023-6803 vulnerability is classified as a race condition within the GitHub Enterprise Server platform. It enables an external collaborator to be added while a repository is undergoing a transfer process. This type of vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access and potential security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6803

The impact of CVE-2023-6803 is significant as it allows an unauthorized outside collaborator to gain access to sensitive repositories during a transfer operation. This can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of the data stored in the affected GitHub Enterprise Server instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6803

This section delves into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-6803.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-6803 vulnerability stems from a race condition in GitHub Enterprise Server, enabling the addition of an outside collaborator during a repository transfer process. This security flaw poses a risk of unauthorized access to repositories.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.8, 3.9, 3.10, and 3.11 were impacted by this vulnerability. Specifically, versions 3.8.11, 3.9.6, 3.10.3, and 3.11.0 were susceptible to this race condition issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-6803 involves leveraging the race condition to inject an unauthorized outside collaborator into a repository being transferred within the affected GitHub Enterprise Server versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to address CVE-2023-6803 and prevent potential security risks, immediate steps should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Review and update the affected GitHub Enterprise Server instances to versions 3.8.12, 3.9.7, 3.10.4, and 3.11.1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor repository access and changes to detect any unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
Train employees on secure practices and raise awareness about potential security risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patch releases from GitHub to promptly address any new vulnerabilities.
Establish a patch management process to ensure timely application of security updates to mitigate risks.

By understanding the nature of CVE-2023-6803 and implementing appropriate security measures, organizations can enhance the resilience of their GitHub Enterprise Server environments against such vulnerabilities.