Improper Input Neutralization in GitHub Enterprise Server Filter Enables Data Exfiltration

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is an Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation in GitHub Enterprise Server. It allows an attacker who has permission to create or modify names of milestones, issues, pull requests, or similar entities to inject attacker-controlled HTML into the Filter component (search) across GitHub. This malicious HTML can be rendered in a victim's browser, potentially enabling the attacker to exfiltrate sensitive information or execute code within the victim's browser. [1]

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Impact Analysis

The vulnerability can impact you by allowing an attacker to execute malicious code within your browser when viewing content rendered by the vulnerable Filter component. This can lead to exfiltration of sensitive information and compromise of your data or session. The attacker must have permissions to create or modify certain entities, but once exploited, it can result in significant security risks including data leakage. [1]

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Detection Guidance

There are no specific detection commands or network/system detection methods provided in the available resources for this vulnerability. However, administrators can use the command `/usr/local/share/enterprise/ghe-capture-trace-data` on standalone GitHub Enterprise Server instances to capture distributed tracing data for performance diagnostics, which might assist in investigating issues related to this vulnerability under GitHub Support guidance. [1]

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Mitigation Strategies

To mitigate this vulnerability, immediately upgrade GitHub Enterprise Server to version 3.19.1 or one of the fixed versions (3.18.2, 3.17.8, 3.16.11, 3.15.15, or 3.14.20) where the issue has been resolved. Additionally, review and reapply any custom firewall rules removed during the upgrade process, and follow any post-upgrade instructions such as running Elasticsearch search repair commands if applicable. [1]

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability allows attacker-controlled HTML to be rendered in GitHub Enterprise Server, which could be used to exfiltrate sensitive information. Such unauthorized disclosure of sensitive data could lead to non-compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, which require safeguarding personal and sensitive information against unauthorized access and leaks. Therefore, if exploited, this vulnerability could negatively impact compliance with these standards by exposing sensitive data. [1]

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