Incorrect Authorization in GitLab
Priority MEDIUM 53CWE-863Published · Updated
Key facts
- Attack vector
- Network
- Privileges required
- Low
- User interaction
- None
- Attack complexity
- Low
- Impact type
- Security bypass
- Confidentiality · integrity · availability
- None · Low · None
- Fix status
- Fixed
Attack profile from CVSS 3.1 · CNA. Fix status from CNA. Impact type from CWE-863.
Summary
An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions prior to 16.2.7, all versions starting from 16.3 before 16.3.5, and all versions starting from 16.4 before 16.4.1. It was possible for a removed project member to write to protected branches using deploy keys.
Why it matters now
Exploitation Proof of concept CISA SSVC · not in CISA KEV
EPSS 0.00505 43rd percentileScored 2026-11-07
Public exploit Yes 1 exploit referenceTagged by the CNA
Fix Fixed GitLab (GitLab): 16.3.5, 16.4.1
SSVC decision points
CISA ADP · SSVC 2.0.3
- Exploitation
- Poc
- Automatable
- No
- Technical impact
- Partial
The decision (Track, Attend, Act) also depends on your mission and well-being impact; see CISA's SSVC guide.
Affected products
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GitLab | GitLab | up to 16.2.7; 16.3 to before 16.3.5; 16.4 to before 16.4.1 | 16.3.5, 16.4.1 | Patch available | CNA |
- GitLab VendorGitLab Affected up to 16.2.7; 16.3 to before 16.3.5; 16.4 to before 16.4.1 Fixed in 16.3.5, 16.4.1 Patch available CNA
CPE configurations NVD · 6
| CPE | Versions | Role | Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:community:*:*:* | 8.15 to before 16.2.8 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* | 8.15 to before 16.2.8 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:community:*:*:* | 16.3.0 to before 16.3.5 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* | 16.3.0 to before 16.3.5 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:16.4.0:*:*:*:community:*:*:* | 16.4.0 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
| cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:16.4.0:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* | 16.4.0 | Vulnerable | GitLab |
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:community:*:*:* Versions 8.15 to before 16.2.8 Vulnerable ·GitLab
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* Versions 8.15 to before 16.2.8 Vulnerable ·GitLab
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:community:*:*:* Versions 16.3.0 to before 16.3.5 Vulnerable ·GitLab
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:*:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* Versions 16.3.0 to before 16.3.5 Vulnerable ·GitLab
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:16.4.0:*:*:*:community:*:*:* Versions 16.4.0 Vulnerable ·GitLab
- cpe:2.3:a:gitlab:gitlab:16.4.0:*:*:*:enterprise:*:*:* Versions 16.4.0 Vulnerable ·GitLab
Remediation
- Fix · CNA GitLab (GitLab) Fixed in 16.3.5, 16.4.1
Timeline
- 2026-10-02 Threatist record created from CVE-2023-5198
- 2026-10-03 Alias added: GHSA-8f5w-v7hr-cxv5
References
Exploit 1
Other 1
More Gitlab vulnerabilities
- TI-2026-71508 Integer overflow in GitLab allows code execution on the server KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2026-58817 Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal') in GitLab KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2023-06425 Weak Password Recovery Mechanism for Forgotten Password in GitLab KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2021-05191 Code injection in GitLab KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 10.0
- TI-2021-05161 Server-side request forgery in GitLab KEVCVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.8
- TI-2022-02763 Injection in GitLab CVSS 3.1CRITICAL 9.9
Sources
- CVE-2023-5198 · CVE Program
- CVE-2023-5198 · NVD
- FIRST EPSS
- GHSA-8f5w-v7hr-cxv5 · GitHub Advisory Database · CC BY 4.0
This product uses the NVD API but is not endorsed or certified by the NVD. Sources and licences