Critical GitHub Enterprise Server Flaw Allows Authentication Bypass

Date: May 21, 2024

CVE: [[CVE-2024-4985]]

Vulnerability Type: Improper Authentication

CWE: [[CWE-287]]

Sources: Cyber Security News, SecurityWeek, The Hacker News

Issue Summary

A critical vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server, identified as CVE-2024-4985, was discovered that allows attackers to bypass authentication. This flaw, found in versions 3.9.14, 3.10.11, 3.11.9, and 3.12.3, permits unauthorized access to repositories and sensitive data by exploiting a weakness in the SAML SSO authentication process.

Technical Key Findings

The vulnerability arises from a logic error in the SAML SSO authentication process, where the server fails to verify the validity of digital signatures on SAML responses properly. Attackers can craft SAML assertions with any certificate, which the server incorrectly accepts, allowing the spoofing of user identities, including admin accounts.

Vulnerable Products

• GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.9.14
• GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.10.11
• GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.11.9
• GitHub Enterprise Server versions 3.12.3

Impact Assessment

Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to private repositories, sensitive data, and administrative controls. This can result in data breaches, code tampering, and potential intellectual property theft.

Patches or Workaround

GitHub has released patched versions (3.9.15, 3.10.12, 3.11.10, and 3.12.4) to address this issue. As an interim measure, enabling SAML certificate pinning can mitigate the risk. Additionally, auditing access logs for suspicious activity and rotating credentials is advised.

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