Gerrit Code Review Account Enumeration Detection Scanner

Gerrit Code Review is widely used by software development teams to facilitate code review processes. It is a web-based tool that integrates closely with version control systems to streamline collaboration across various locations. By enhancing workflow and improving peer feedback, Gerrit is instrumental in maintaining code quality. It is used by companies and open-source projects to manage large-scale codebases, ensuring better code integration. Developers find it useful for tracking changes, proposing modifications, and enabling inline discussion of code parts. Gerrit's functionalities are vital for teams aiming for efficient and effective code reviews in software lifecycle management.

The enumeration vulnerability in Gerrit Code Review involves unauthorized querying of user accounts through the /accounts/ REST API. This endpoint can be exploited to gather information by using specific parameters, potentially exposing user identification details like account IDs, names, and email addresses. If not secured, this vulnerability might lead to mass user data exposure without their knowledge. The vulnerability exists because the system allows for unauthenticated access to sensitive user data via REST calls. This weakness could be exploited by malicious actors to harvest user information systematically. Strengthening access control mechanisms can mitigate the impact of this vulnerability.

The vulnerability is centered around the REST API endpoint /accounts/, which is improperly secured in some Gerrit configurations. Attackers can perform account enumeration via this endpoint by sending GET requests with certain parameters like 'q' and 'suggest'. The applicability of this endpoint in revealing usernames and account details, including email addresses, makes it a severe threat to privacy. By examining the responses, attackers can extract sensitive user data due to lack of sufficient authentication controls. This vulnerability thus represents a significant loophole in maintaining the confidentiality of user information within Gerrit installations.

Exploiting this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to user accounts, leading to privacy breaches. Attackers can potentially harvest comprehensive user data, which can be used for targeted phishing attacks or identity theft. Organizations may face reputational damage and possible legal implications due to exposure of sensitive user information. The malicious use of such exposed data can compromise user trust and lead to further attacks exploiting the gathered information. Unchecked, this vulnerability could serve as an entry point for attackers aiming to exploit additional vulnerabilities and expand their unauthorized actions within the network.

REFERENCES

• https://gerrit-review.googlesource.com/Documentation/rest-api-accounts.html
• https://gerrit-documentation.storage.googleapis.com/Documentation/2.11/rest-api-accounts.html