CVE-2021-39909:Lack of email address ownership verification in GitLab EE CODEOWNERS feature allows bypassing merge request approval requirements.

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Description Preview

A vulnerability exists in GitLab Enterprise Edition's CODEOWNERS feature where the system fails to verify email address ownership. This vulnerability affects all versions from 11.3 before 14.2.6, versions from 14.3 before 14.3.4, and versions from 14.4 before 14.4.1. Under rare circumstances, an attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass the CODEOWNERS merge request approval requirement, potentially allowing unauthorized code changes to be merged without proper review.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2021-39909) is classified as CWE-347, which relates to improper verification of cryptographic signature. In GitLab's implementation of the CODEOWNERS feature, the system failed to properly verify email address ownership, creating a security gap. The CODEOWNERS feature is designed to enforce code review by designated owners before changes can be merged. However, due to this vulnerability, an attacker could potentially circumvent this protection mechanism under specific conditions, undermining the code review process that helps maintain code quality and security.

Remediation

Users should update to one of the following fixed versions:

  • GitLab EE 14.2.6 or later
  • GitLab EE 14.3.4 or later
  • GitLab EE 14.4.1 or later

If immediate updating is not possible, administrators should monitor merge request activities closely, particularly focusing on approvals that might bypass CODEOWNERS requirements. Additionally, implementing additional manual review processes for critical code changes can help mitigate the risk until patching is complete.

References

  • GitLab Advisory: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cves/-/blob/master/2021/CVE-2021-39909.json
  • GitLab Issue: https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/335191 (Note: This link may be broken)
  • HackerOne Report: https://hackerone.com/reports/1237750 (Note: Permissions may be required to view)

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  2. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  3. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  4. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  5. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  6. Utilities
    Utilities
  7. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  8. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  9. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  10. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  11. Construction
    Construction
  12. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  13. Information
    Information
  14. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  15. Mining
    Mining
  16. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  17. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  18. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  19. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

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