CVE-2026-16553

Analyzed Analyzed - Analysis Complete

Improper Request Handling in GitLab EE Leaks Sensitive Data

Publication date: 2026-07-29

Last updated on: 2026-08-03

Assigner: GitLab Inc.

Description

GitLab has remediated an issue in GitLab EE affecting all versions from 18.8 before 19.0.5, 19.1 before 19.1.3, and 19.2 before 19.2.1 that under certain conditions could have allowed some sensitive information to be disclosed to an unintended host due to improper handling of upstream requests in virtual registries.

CVSS Scores

EPSS Scores

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Meta Information

Published

2026-07-29

Last Modified

2026-08-03

Generated

2026-08-19

AI Q&A

2026-07-30

EPSS Evaluated

2026-08-18

NVD

CVE-2026-16553

Affected Vendors & Products

Vendor	Product	Version / Range
gitlab	gitlab	From 19.1.0 (inc) to 19.1.3 (exc)
gitlab	gitlab	19.2.0
gitlab	gitlab	From 18.8.0 (inc) to 19.0.5 (exc)

Helpful Resources

Exploitability

CWE

KEV

CWE ID	Description
CWE-522	The product transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method that is susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.

Attack-Flow Graph

Executive Summary

This vulnerability in GitLab EE allows sensitive information to be disclosed to an unintended host due to improper handling of upstream requests in virtual registries. It affects versions from 18.8 before 19.0.5, 19.1 before 19.1.3, and 19.2 before 19.2.1.

Detection Guidance

This vulnerability involves improper handling of upstream requests in GitLab EE virtual registries. To detect it, check GitLab EE versions for affected releases (18.8 before 19.0.5, 19.1 before 19.1.3, 19.2 before 19.2.1). Verify if virtual registry configurations are exposed to unintended hosts by reviewing network logs and GitLab configuration files.

Impact Analysis

An attacker with access to the system could exploit this to leak sensitive data to unauthorized hosts. This may include credentials, tokens, or other confidential information stored in GitLab.

Compliance Impact

The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information due to improper handling of upstream requests in virtual registries. This may impact compliance with GDPR (data protection) and HIPAA (health data privacy) by exposing personal or protected health information to unintended parties.

Mitigation Strategies

Upgrade GitLab EE to a patched version: 19.0.5, 19.1.3, or 19.2.1 or later to address the improper upstream request handling in virtual registries.

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