CVE-2023-5226

Name: CVE-2023-5226
Creator: NVD / NIST
Published: 2023-12-01T07:15:12.003+00:00
License: https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

HIGHCVSS 7.5/10EPSS 0.55%

Last modified Jun 17, 2026

CVE-2023-5226 is a high-severity vulnerability rated 7.5/10 on the CVSS scale. An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions before 16.4.3, all versions starting from 16.5 before 16.5.3, all versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.1. Under certain circumstances, a malicious actor bypass prohibited branch checks using a specially crafted branch name to manipulate repository content in the UI.. EPSS estimates a 0.55% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days.

Description

An issue has been discovered in GitLab affecting all versions before 16.4.3, all versions starting from 16.5 before 16.5.3, all versions starting from 16.6 before 16.6.1. Under certain circumstances, a malicious actor bypass prohibited branch checks using a specially crafted branch name to manipulate repository content in the UI.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:H/A:N

EPSS Probability

0.55%

41.6th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

CWE-94

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Gitlab	Gitlab	< 16.4.3
Gitlab	Gitlab	>= 16.5.0, < 16.5.3
Gitlab	Gitlab	16.6.0

References

https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/426400Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/2173053Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory
https://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/gitlab/-/issues/426400Broken Link, Vendor Advisory
https://hackerone.com/reports/2173053Permissions Required, Third Party Advisory

Timeline

Published: Dec 1, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-5226?

How severe is CVE-2023-5226?

CVE-2023-5226 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 0.55% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-5226?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.

Are you affected by CVE-2023-5226?

Run a free Strix scan to check your systems for this vulnerability.

Scan your code now

Source: NVD / NIST