CVE-2017-0882 in GitLab
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple versions of GitLab expose sensitive user credentials when assigning a user to an issue or merge request. A fix was included in versions 8.15.8, 8.16.7, and 8.17.4, which were released on March 20th 2017 at 23:59 UTC.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/22/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0882 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within GitLab's issue tracking and merge request management systems. This vulnerability specifically affects multiple versions of the GitLab platform, creating a scenario where sensitive user credentials become exposed during routine administrative operations. The flaw manifests when users are assigned to issues or merge requests, indicating that the vulnerability is directly tied to GitLab's user assignment functionality and its handling of credential information during these operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms and insufficient input validation within GitLab's core authentication and authorization systems. When administrators or users assign individuals to issues or merge requests, the system inadvertently leaks sensitive credential information to unauthorized parties. This occurs due to inadequate sanitization of user data during the assignment process, allowing credential information to be transmitted or stored in accessible locations. The vulnerability operates at the application level and demonstrates a failure in proper privilege separation and data protection mechanisms within the GitLab platform's codebase. The flaw essentially creates a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure through legitimate administrative functions that should remain secure.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0882 extends beyond simple credential exposure, potentially compromising the entire GitLab instance's security posture. Attackers who exploit this vulnerability can gain access to user authentication tokens, passwords, or other sensitive information that may enable further attacks within the system. This exposure can lead to unauthorized access to repositories, code modifications, and potential lateral movement within the organization's development infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations using affected GitLab versions, potentially exposing thousands of users' credentials across multiple projects and repositories. The risk is particularly elevated for organizations that rely heavily on GitLab for source code management and collaborative development workflows, as the exposure could compromise entire development pipelines and sensitive intellectual property.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the remediation measures provided in the patched versions 8.15.8, 8.16.7, and 8.17.4 released on March 20th 2017. These updates include comprehensive fixes that address the root cause of the credential exposure through enhanced input validation and access control mechanisms. Security teams should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous user assignment activities. The fix aligns with security best practices outlined in the CWE-200 category for information disclosure vulnerabilities, specifically addressing improper restriction of information flow. Organizations should also review their access control policies and implement additional monitoring for user assignment operations, as this vulnerability demonstrates how legitimate administrative functions can become attack vectors. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patched versions do not introduce regressions in functionality while maintaining the enhanced security measures that prevent credential exposure.