CVE-2022-1502 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/04/2022
Permissions were not properly verified in the API on projects using version control in Git. This allowed projects to be modified by users with only ProjectView permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/07/2022
This vulnerability represents a critical access control flaw in version control systems that allows unauthorized modification of project repositories. The issue stems from improper permission verification within the application programming interface of Git-based project management platforms. When users possess only ProjectView permissions which should typically grant read-only access to project contents, the system fails to properly enforce these access boundaries. This technical weakness creates a privilege escalation scenario where users can bypass intended security controls and perform write operations on projects they should not be authorized to modify. The flaw specifically affects systems that integrate Git version control with project management interfaces, where API endpoints responsible for repository operations do not adequately validate user permissions against the requested actions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized modifications. Attackers with ProjectView permissions could potentially introduce malicious code, alter project configurations, manipulate version history, or corrupt repository data. This represents a significant breach in the principle of least privilege that is fundamental to secure system design. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software systems, and it creates opportunities for attackers to establish persistent access points within development environments. From an attack perspective, this flaw allows threat actors to escalate their privileges without requiring additional authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple developers share project access.
The security implications of this vulnerability are compounded by its potential to enable supply chain attacks, where malicious modifications to source code could go undetected until deployment. Organizations using affected systems may experience unauthorized changes to critical software components, potentially leading to system compromise or data breaches. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation and access control implementation in API endpoints, creating a pathway for privilege escalation that violates core security principles. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing robust permission checking mechanisms within API layers, enforcing proper access controls for Git repository operations, and conducting regular security assessments of version control integrations. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring for unauthorized repository modifications and establishing more granular permission schemes that separate read and write operations more strictly. This vulnerability underscores the importance of continuous security testing and validation of access control mechanisms in collaborative development environments.