GitHub Enterprise Server Discloses Critical Vulnerability, Rated 9.5/10 in Severity
GitHub Enterprise Server, the self-hosted alternative of GitHub, recently exposed a significant vulnerability, CVE-2024-6800, enabling attackers to obtain admin privileges. The flaw, rated 9.5/10 in severity, arises from an XML signature wrapping issue when utilizing SAML authentication with particular identity providers. GitHub has issued patches for various versions, with the earliest secure versions being 3.13.3, 3.12.8, 3.11.14, and 3.10.16.
According to data from the FOFA search engine, there are over 36,500 internet-connected instances of GitHub Enterprise Server, predominantly found in the United States. It remains uncertain how many of these instances are operating vulnerable software versions, as IT teams frequently require weeks or months to perform updates.
Furthermore, aside from the main vulnerability, the new GitHub versions resolve two additional issues: CVE-2024-7711, enabling attackers to modify issues on public repositories, and CVE-2024-6337, potentially disclosing content from private repositories. GitHub urges users to promptly update their systems to mitigate these risks.
Key Takeaways
- GitHub Enterprise Server vulnerability allows admin privilege escalation via a critical XML signature wrapping issue.
- Patches available for GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.13.3, 3.12.8, 3.11.14, and 3.10.16.
- Over 36,500 internet-connected instances, mostly in the U.S., are at risk.
- Two additional vulnerabilities fixed: CVE-2024-7711 and CVE-2024-6337.
- Update recommended to prevent threat actors from taking over vulnerable endpoints.
Analysis
The GitHub Enterprise Server vulnerability exposes over 36,500 instances, primarily in the U.S., to potential admin takeover. Delays in IT updates exacerbate risks, impacting tech firms and government agencies reliant on GitHub for code hosting. Immediate consequences include urgent patching efforts and heightened security audits. Long-term implications may encompass the implementation of stricter security protocols and potential shifts towards more secure development practices. Financial instruments tied to affected entities could encounter volatility.
Did You Know?
- GitHub Enterprise Server: GitHub Enterprise Server is the self-hosted version of GitHub, extensively utilized for version control and collaboration in software development. Unlike GitHub.com, which is hosted by GitHub itself, GitHub Enterprise Server permits organizations to host their own instance of GitHub, providing greater data control and customization options.
- CVE-2024-6800: This is a specific identifier for a critical vulnerability discovered in GitHub Enterprise Server. CVE stands for Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, a list of publicly known information security vulnerabilities and exposures. The identifier "CVE-2024-6800" indicates that this is the 6800th vulnerability listed in the year 2024. The mentioned vulnerability allows attackers to gain admin privileges through an XML signature wrapping issue when using SAML authentication with specific identity providers, rendering it a high-severity issue.
- SAML Authentication: Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider and a service provider. In the context of the GitHub Enterprise Server vulnerability, SAML authentication is utilized to enable users to log in using credentials from an external system, such as a company's Active Directory. The XML signature wrapping issue referenced in the vulnerability pertains to a specific flaw in how SAML messages are processed, which can be exploited to gain unauthorized access.