CVE-2022-2185 in GitLab
Summary
by MITRE • 07/01/2022
A critical issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 14.0 prior to 14.10.5, 15.0 prior to 15.0.4, and 15.1 prior to 15.1.1 where it was possible for an unauthorised user to execute arbitrary code on the server using the project import feature.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/18/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-2185 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within GitLab's project import functionality that has affected multiple version streams including 14.0 through 14.10.4, 15.0 through 15.0.3, and 15.1 through 15.1.0. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the import process, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary code on the targeted GitLab server. The flaw specifically exploits the way GitLab handles project import operations, allowing unauthorized users to leverage this functionality to gain elevated privileges and execute commands with the same permissions as the GitLab service account. Such a vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a severe compromise of the system's integrity and confidentiality. The attack vector requires minimal prerequisites as the functionality is typically accessible to users within the GitLab instance, making the exploitation surface particularly broad and concerning for organizations relying on GitLab for version control and collaboration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a combination of insecure deserialization and command injection flaws that manifest during the project import process. When users attempt to import projects, particularly those containing maliciously crafted data or configuration files, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the imported content before processing it. This lack of proper validation creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate the import workflow and inject malicious payloads that execute within the context of the GitLab server. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-94, which specifically addresses "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter execution. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute arbitrary commands on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The issue is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited through legitimate GitLab import functionality, making it difficult to detect and prevent through traditional security monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and persistent backdoor establishment. Organizations using affected GitLab versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to source code repositories, sensitive configuration data, and potentially other connected systems. The vulnerability affects not just individual project repositories but can provide attackers with access to the entire GitLab instance, including user credentials, project metadata, and system-level information. Attackers could leverage this access to modify code repositories, inject malicious code into legitimate projects, or establish persistent access points within the organization's development infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe for development teams that rely heavily on GitLab for continuous integration and deployment workflows, as attackers could potentially disrupt development processes or compromise the integrity of software releases. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for attackers to use the compromised GitLab instance as a pivot point to target other systems within the organization's network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-2185 focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases including GitLab 14.10.5, 15.0.4, and 15.1.1, which contain the necessary security patches to address the input validation and sanitization issues. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the GitLab import functionality where possible, particularly for users who do not require such privileges. Additional protective measures include monitoring import activities for suspicious patterns, implementing stricter access controls for project import operations, and conducting comprehensive security audits of imported projects. Security teams should also consider implementing runtime application firewalls or intrusion detection systems specifically configured to detect malicious import activities. The vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security patching and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-provided data. Organizations should also review their overall GitLab security configuration, including permissions and access controls, to minimize the potential impact of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments and penetration testing of GitLab installations can help identify and remediate similar weaknesses before they can be exploited by malicious actors. The incident underscores the critical need for robust security practices in development environments where code repositories and collaboration tools serve as prime targets for cyber attacks.