CVE-2019-11229 in Gitea
Summary
by MITRE
models/repo_mirror.go in Gitea before 1.7.6 and 1.8.x before 1.8-RC3 mishandles mirror repo URL settings, leading to remote code execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-11229 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Gitea open source Git service platform. This issue specifically affects versions prior to 1.7.6 and 1.8-RC3, where the application fails to properly validate and sanitize repository mirror URL settings during the configuration process. The flaw exists in the models/repo_mirror.go file, which handles the logic for managing mirrored repositories that automatically synchronize with remote upstream sources. When users configure mirror repositories, the system accepts and processes URL parameters without adequate input validation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary commands that execute within the context of the Gitea service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of user-supplied input in mirror repository URL configurations. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing shell command injection payloads that bypass normal validation mechanisms. This misconfiguration allows for arbitrary code execution on the server hosting the Gitea instance, potentially enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-74, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, and specifically relates to CWE-94, which covers improper control of generation of code. The flaw operates at the application level where user input is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the underlying infrastructure hosting the Git repositories. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to all repositories managed by the compromised Gitea instance, potentially accessing sensitive source code, configuration files, and associated credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning for organizations using Gitea for internal development workflows, as the compromise could lead to intellectual property theft, unauthorized code modifications, and potential lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves executing commands through the command and scripting interpreter, and T1078.004, which covers valid accounts used for persistence.
Organizations using affected Gitea versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions 1.7.6 or 1.8-RC3 where the URL validation has been strengthened. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict repository mirror configuration capabilities for untrusted users, implement network segmentation to limit exposure, and monitor for suspicious repository creation or modification activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and sanitization in web applications, particularly when handling user-supplied data that will be used in system-level operations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and runtime application self-protection mechanisms to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting similar command injection vulnerabilities.