CVE-2017-0915 in Community Edition
Summary
by MITRE
Gitlab Community Edition version 10.2.4 is vulnerable to a lack of input validation in the GitlabProjectsImportService resulting in remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/15/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0915 affects Gitlab Community Edition version 10.2.4 and represents a critical security flaw in the project import functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation within the GitlabProjectsImportService component, which processes project imports from external sources. The flaw allows attackers to manipulate the import process and execute arbitrary code on the target system with the privileges of the Gitlab service account. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes project import requests from untrusted sources, creating a pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access and control over the Gitlab instance.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the GitlabProjectsImportService class where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized or validated before being processed. When a project import request is initiated, the system accepts various parameters including repository URLs, file paths, and configuration settings without sufficient validation checks. This lack of input sanitization creates a condition where specially crafted malicious input can be interpreted as executable commands rather than benign data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and specifically relates to CWE-78, which covers improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands. Attackers can exploit this by crafting import requests that include malicious code within project metadata, configuration files, or repository references that get executed during the import process.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-0915 is severe and far-reaching for organizations using vulnerable Gitlab instances. Successful exploitation enables attackers to achieve full remote code execution capabilities, potentially allowing them to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify project contents, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability affects both the availability and integrity of the Gitlab service, as attackers can disrupt normal operations while simultaneously gaining persistent access. Organizations may experience unauthorized code deployment, data breaches, and potential compliance violations when this vulnerability is exploited. The risk is compounded by the fact that Gitlab serves as a central repository for source code and development artifacts, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to compromise development environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0915 should focus on immediate patching and implementation of additional security controls. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to Gitlab Community Edition version 10.3.0 or later, which includes the necessary fixes for the input validation issues. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to Gitlab import functionality, particularly from untrusted networks or external sources. Input validation should be strengthened through the implementation of proper sanitization routines and the enforcement of strict parameter validation for all import operations. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous import activities or unusual command executions within the Gitlab environment. Additional controls such as network segmentation, access control restrictions, and regular security audits can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices in web applications, as highlighted by ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and scripting interpreter usage.