The usd HeroLab analysts examined GitLab, a service for version management of software projects, while conducting their security analyses.
In the process, a vulnerability was identified that, due to the current default settings in GitLab, allows users to unknowingly trigger a so-called "dependency confusion" vulnerability. This happens in particular when internal dependencies of software projects in GitLab are loaded from the publicly managed PyPi package index. In this case, the user unknowingly embeds malicious code into the internal enterprise applications. This enables an attacker to gain access to internal company data with ease. Since GitLab provides its own bug bounty program via the HackerOne platform, we reported the vulnerability to the vendor via the portal as part of the Responsible Disclosure Policy.
The vulnerability is rated "High" by our security analysts, as exploitation of this vulnerability poses significant risks to any IT systems. Contrary to our analysts' assessment, the initial vulnerability report was closed by HackerOne as an informational finding.
As the vulnerability report progressed, the vendor recognized the associated risks and impacts and asked us to submit proposed changes to the default settings and web interface via issue ticket and merge request. As part of our "more security" mission, our analysts submitted their proposed changes to the vendor. Detailed information about this advisory can be found here.
About usd HeroLab Security Advisories
In order to protect businesses against hackers and criminals, we must ensure that our skills and knowledge are up to date at all times. Therefore, security research is just as important to our work as is building up a security community to promote an exchange of knowledge. After all, more security can only be achieved if many people take on the task.
We analyze attack scenarios, which are changing constantly, and publish a series of Security Advisories on current vulnerabilities and security issues – always in line with our Responsible Disclosure Policy.
Always in the name of our mission: “more security.”