CVE-2019-11217 in Bonobo Git Server
Summary
by MITRE
The GitController in Jakub Chodounsky Bonobo Git Server before 6.5.0 allows execution of arbitrary commands in the context of the web server via a crafted http request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11217 resides within the Bonobo Git Server software developed by Jakub Chodounsky, specifically affecting versions prior to 6.5.0. This critical security flaw manifests in the GitController component which handles HTTP requests and processes user input without adequate sanitization or validation. The Bonobo Git Server serves as a web-based Git repository management platform that enables organizations to host and manage Git repositories through a graphical interface, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise development infrastructure and access sensitive source code assets.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the GitController's handling of HTTP requests. Attackers can craft malicious HTTP requests containing specially formatted parameters that bypass normal input sanitization mechanisms and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying web server. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability where user-supplied data flows directly into system execution contexts without proper escaping or filtering. The flaw allows remote attackers to leverage the web server's privileges to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, specifically addressing command injection and improper input validation issues that enable arbitrary code execution through web interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-11217 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected Git server infrastructure. Organizations utilizing Bonobo Git Server for source code management face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive repositories, potential data exfiltration, code tampering, and establishment of persistent backdoors within their development environments. The vulnerability affects the server's core functionality by allowing attackers to execute system commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage Git repositories and file systems. This compromises the integrity and confidentiality of the entire Git infrastructure, potentially exposing proprietary code, development secrets, and intellectual property to unauthorized parties.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of the Bonobo Git Server to version 6.5.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms for HTTP request parameters. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the Git server, particularly disabling external access where possible and implementing strict firewall rules. The principle of least privilege should be enforced by running the web server process with minimal required permissions rather than administrative privileges. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security audits of their Git infrastructure, implement monitoring for suspicious HTTP request patterns, and establish incident response procedures for potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating all user inputs in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script injection, emphasizing the need for robust input validation controls in web server applications.