CWE-527: Exposure of Version-Control Repository to an Unauthorized Control Sphere
Learn about CWE-527 (Exposure of Version-Control Repository to an Unauthorized Control Sphere), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is Exposure of Version-Control Repository to an Unauthorized Control Sphere?
• Overview: Exposure of Version-Control Repository to an Unauthorized Control Sphere occurs when repositories, like CVS or git, are improperly stored or shared, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive version-specific metadata.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers gain access by finding repositories stored on web servers or included in publicly accessible archives.
- Common techniques include scanning for known repository directories, exploiting misconfigured access controls, or searching for exposed archives.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences include unauthorized access to sensitive information such as usernames, filenames, and code snippets.
- Potential cascading effects involve exposure of internal development workflows and potential insights into vulnerabilities within the codebase.
- Business impact includes intellectual property loss and increased risk of targeted attacks using exposed data.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Specific code-level fixes include ensuring repository directories are not stored in web-accessible locations.
- Security best practices involve setting proper access controls and regularly auditing repository locations.
- Recommended tools and frameworks include using automated tools for scanning repositories and implementing strict CI/CD pipeline checks to prevent accidental exposure.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Not specified