CVE-2024-4207 in GitLab
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2024
A cross-site scripting issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions starting from 5.1 prior 17.0.6, starting from 17.1 prior to 17.1.4, and starting from 17.2 prior to 17.2.2. When viewing an XML file in a repository in raw mode, it can be made to render as HTML if viewed under specific circumstances.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/15/2025
This cross-site scripting vulnerability in GitLab represents a critical security flaw that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability specifically manifests when users view XML files in raw mode within GitLab repositories, creating a potential attack vector that can be exploited through crafted XML content. The issue affects multiple version ranges including versions prior to 17.0.6, 17.1.4, and 17.2.2, indicating a widespread impact across the GitLab platform's release history.
The technical flaw stems from improper input validation and output encoding mechanisms within GitLab's repository file viewing functionality. When XML files are displayed in raw mode, the application fails to properly sanitize the content before rendering it as HTML, allowing attackers to inject malicious script payloads that can execute in the victim's browser context. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category for cross-site scripting and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as the attack can be initiated through repository file content manipulation. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the trust relationship between the user and the GitLab application, executing code without requiring additional authentication or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, manipulate repository data, or redirect users to malicious websites. An attacker could craft a malicious XML file containing JavaScript payloads that would execute when any user views the file in raw mode, potentially compromising user sessions and accessing confidential repository information. This vulnerability undermines the integrity of GitLab's repository browsing functionality and can be exploited in both public and private repository environments, making it particularly concerning for organizations that rely heavily on GitLab for code management and collaboration. The attack requires minimal user interaction beyond viewing the malicious file, making it a significant risk for organizations with large repository ecosystems.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to the patched versions of GitLab to mitigate this vulnerability, specifically versions 17.0.6, 17.1.4, and 17.2.2 or later releases. Additional mitigations include implementing proper input validation for file content, enabling content security policies, and conducting regular security reviews of repository file handling mechanisms. Security teams should also monitor for suspicious file uploads and implement automated scanning for potentially malicious content within repository files. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper output encoding and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content, and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of file viewing and rendering functionalities. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for unusual access patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.