CVE-2021-45329 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability exists in Gitea before 1.5.1 via the repository settings inside the external wiki/issue tracker URL field.

Understanding CVE-2021-45329

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in Gitea that can allow for potential XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2021-45329?

CVE-2021-45329 is a Cross Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in Gitea versions prior to 1.5.1 through the repository settings in the external wiki/issue tracker URL field.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45329

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's web browser, potentially leading to account hijacking, data theft, or other attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45329

This section provides technical details of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability exists in Gitea before version 1.5.1 when configuring repository settings in the external wiki/issue tracker URL field.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Gitea
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions before 1.5.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the repository settings, which are then executed in the context of the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Gitea to version 1.5.1 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on unverified links, especially in the repository settings.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to the latest versions.
Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Gitea promptly to address known vulnerabilities.