CVE-2022-0738 in GitLab
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2022
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 14.6 before 14.6.5, all versions starting from 14.7 before 14.7.4, all versions starting from 14.8 before 14.8.2. GitLab was leaking user passwords when adding mirrors with SSH credentials under specific conditions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-0738 represents a critical information disclosure flaw in GitLab's mirror functionality that emerged from version 14.6 and persisted through specific release branches until remediation was implemented. This issue specifically targets the handling of SSH credentials when users attempt to add repository mirrors within the GitLab platform, creating a significant security risk that could compromise user authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests when GitLab processes mirror configurations that include SSH authentication details, particularly in scenarios where users provide SSH private keys or passwords during the mirror setup process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and output filtering mechanisms within the mirror creation workflow, allowing sensitive credential information to be inadvertently exposed through various system interfaces. This occurs because the application fails to properly validate and sanitize the credential data before it is processed or displayed in system logs, API responses, or user interfaces, creating an attack surface where password leakage can occur.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as it enables attackers to obtain valid authentication credentials that could be used for unauthorized access to repositories, systems, or services that rely on the compromised GitLab instance. The flaw particularly affects organizations that utilize GitLab's mirror functionality extensively, as it allows for the potential compromise of multiple repository access points simultaneously. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and represents a significant weakness in the application's privilege management and credential handling processes.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that it affects multiple release branches of GitLab, including 14.6.x, 14.7.x, and 14.8.x versions, indicating a widespread impact across the platform's user base. Security teams implementing GitLab in enterprise environments face heightened risk when using affected versions, as the vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including API manipulation, direct system interaction, or through compromised user accounts that might be used to create malicious mirrors. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers credentials in files, as the leaked passwords could be accessed through system log files or API response data.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions of GitLab, specifically versions 14.6.5, 14.7.4, and 14.8.2, which contain the necessary fixes to prevent credential leakage during mirror operations. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive audits of their GitLab installations to identify any potentially compromised credentials, particularly focusing on SSH keys and passwords that were used in mirror configurations. Additional mitigations include implementing strict access controls around mirror creation functionality, monitoring system logs for anomalous credential handling patterns, and establishing automated credential rotation procedures for users who have been identified as potentially exposed to this vulnerability. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security testing to ensure that no other similar credential leakage vulnerabilities exist within the GitLab platform's broader codebase.