CVE-2021-22205
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitGitLab was not properly validating image files that were passed to a file parser which resulted in a remote command execution.
Published Apr 26, 2021 · Updated Sep 8, 2026 · Also known as BIT-gitlab-2021-22205, TR-21-0353, UBUNTU-CVE-2021-22205
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2021-22205 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v3.1) affecting GitLab.
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 100% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- Fixed versions are available, including GitLab 13.10.3, GitLab 13.10.3-1, GitLab 13.8.8.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v3.1
10.0
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
100%
Higher than 99.9% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
4 catalog listings, used by ransomware
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2021-22205 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 11.9. GitLab was not properly validating image files that were passed to a file parser which resulted in a remote command execution.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| CISA KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Known |
| Industry KEV feed | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Known |
| CIRCL KEV | Nov 3, 2021 | Nov 17, 2021 | Known |
| ENISA EUVD | Nov 3, 2021 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
Affected Products
7 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| GitLabGitlab | >= 11.9.0, >= >=11.9, <13.8.8 | 13.8.8 |
Patched Releases
GitLab
13.10.3, 13.10.3-1, 13.8.8, 13.9.6, 15.10.8+ds1-2
Timeline
Publicly disclosed
Apr 26, 2021
Added to CISA KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to Industry KEV feed
Nov 3, 2021
Added to CIRCL KEV
Nov 3, 2021
Added to ENISA EUVD
Nov 3, 2021
Last updated
Sep 8, 2026
Weakness Type
- CWE-94 Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')
References
- advisoryhttps://about.gitlab.com/releases/2021/04/14/security-release-gitlab-13-10-3-released/
- advisoryhttps://gitlab.com/gitlab-org/cves/-/blob/master/2021/CVE-2021-22205.json
- advisoryhttps://hackerone.com/reports/1154542
- advisoryhttps://ubuntu.com/security/CVE-2021-22205
- advisoryhttps://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog
FAQ
Common Questions.
An issue has been discovered in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions starting from 11.9.
Affected: GitLab versions >= 11.9.0, >= >=11.9, <13.8.8. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in CISA KEV, Industry KEV feed, CIRCL KEV, ENISA EUVD since Nov 3, 2021 and is known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
Yes. It was added on Nov 3, 2021 with a federal remediation due date of Nov 17, 2021.
Public exploit code is available.
Fixed versions are available, including GitLab 13.10.3, GitLab 13.10.3-1, GitLab 13.8.8.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
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