Gitblit Default Login Scanner

Gitblit is a pure Java solution for managing, viewing, and serving Git repositories that is used by development teams and organizations to host and collaborate on Git-based source control. It is generally deployed within an organization's internal network but can also be configured for external access. Gitblit is appreciated for its simplicity and ease of use, providing an intuitive web interface for users to engage with their source code management. In addition to its repository management capabilities, Gitblit offers numerous features such as user authentication, access control, and repository analytics. This software is suitable for teams ranging from individual developers to larger organizations looking to manage their codebases securely. Due to its Java nature, Gitblit runs on various operating systems, making it versatile and widely used.

The default login vulnerability detected in Gitblit arises from the use of standard, unchanged login credentials post-installation or during setup. Often, such vulnerabilities pose a significant risk as they provide unauthorized access to sensitive systems without requiring any advanced hacking skills. This vulnerability is categorized under security misconfiguration, which is one of the most common issues compromising software security. Attackers can exploit this to gain initial access to the Gitblit admin interface, thereby granting them undesired control over repository and user management features. It is crucial for administrators to change any default credentials immediately during the initial setup to prevent such unauthorized access. Despite being easy to mitigate, failure to address this vulnerability can lead to severe information disclosure risks and unauthorized modifications.

Technically, this vulnerability primarily involves the endpoint responsible for user authentication, where the username and password parameters are sent as a POST request to the server. The problem arises when these parameters are set to default credentials such as "admin/admin" that were not altered by an administrator during setup. Upon sending such a request, if default credentials are still active, the server redirects the user to the dashboard with a status 302, indicating a successful login. This situation is detected by checking for specific cookies set after login, like JSESSIONID and Gitblit, confirming that a session has been initiated. Proper user management practices involve disabling or changing these default credentials during the setup to ensure security.

If exploited, this vulnerability allows malicious actors to access the Gitblit administration panel using default credentials. Such unauthorized access can result in the manipulation or theft of code repositories, allowing attackers to inject malicious code, leading to software compromise downstream. The attacker can also create new repositories, delete existing ones, or exfiltrate confidential source code data. Additionally, this level of access can enable the attacker to harvest other user credentials, perform privilege escalations, and alter security settings. Ultimately, maintaining default logins can severely undermine the security posture of an organization by granting undue access to internal systems.

REFERENCES

• https://www.gitblit.com/administration.html