CVE-2021-22228 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue has been discovered in GitLab that affects versions before 13.11.6, starting from 13.12 before 13.12.6, and starting from 14.0 before 14.0.2, allowing unauthorized access to project details using Graphql.

Understanding CVE-2021-22228

This section will cover the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-22228.

What is CVE-2021-22228?

CVE-2021-22228 is a vulnerability in GitLab that enables improper access control, potentially granting unauthorized users access to sensitive project information via Graphql.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22228

The vulnerability poses a medium-severity risk with a base score of 6.5, allowing unauthorized users to compromise the confidentiality of project details.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22228

This section will delve into the specific technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient access controls, enabling unauthorized individuals to retrieve project details through Graphql queries.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitLab versions prior to 13.11.6, 13.12 to 13.12.6, and 14.0 to 14.0.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit this vulnerability through Graphql queries to access project details without proper authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here we outline the steps to address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-22228.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update GitLab to versions 13.11.6, 13.12.6, and 14.0.2 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, review and adjust project access controls.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates from GitLab and implement access control best practices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive project data.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by GitLab to address vulnerabilities and enhance the security of your projects.