CVE-2013-4546 in gitlab
Summary
by MITRE
The repository import feature in gitlab-shell before 1.7.4, as used in GitLab, allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands via the import URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4546 represents a critical command injection flaw within the gitlab-shell component of GitLab platforms. This security weakness specifically affects versions prior to 1.7.4 and resides in the repository import functionality that handles external repository imports. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the import URL processing mechanism, allowing authenticated attackers to manipulate the system through carefully crafted malicious inputs. The flaw operates by permitting attackers to inject arbitrary commands that get executed within the context of the gitlab-shell process, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied URL parameters during repository import operations. When a user attempts to import a repository from an external source, the system processes the provided URL without adequate sanitization of special characters or command sequences. This processing flaw creates an environment where attackers can inject shell commands that get executed by the underlying system. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which is classified as a high-severity weakness in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog. The attack vector requires an authenticated user account, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a pure remote code execution flaw, though the impact remains severe due to the elevated privileges typically associated with GitLab user accounts.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to GitLab installations and their associated development environments. An authenticated attacker with access to import functionality can execute arbitrary commands on the GitLab server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or disruption of services. The attack could result in unauthorized access to source code repositories, modification of repository contents, or even complete system takeover depending on the privileges of the compromised account. The impact extends beyond individual repositories to potentially affect entire development workflows and CI/CD pipelines that rely on GitLab's repository management capabilities. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to the T1059.001 technique for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically shell commands, and could enable further lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The recommended mitigation strategy focuses on immediate remediation through version upgrades to gitlab-shell 1.7.4 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the scope of potential exploitation, ensuring that only trusted users have access to repository import functionality. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious import activities, implementing input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security assessments of GitLab installations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input sanitization and the principle of least privilege in software development, particularly for components handling external inputs. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could be leveraged in automated attack scenarios targeting GitLab installations across the internet.