CVE-2023-6944 is a vulnerability identified in Red Hat Developer Hub (RHDH) version 1.1 running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9. The flaw exists in the catalog-import function, which improperly handles error messages when a base64 encoded GitLab access token includes a newline character at the end. Instead of sanitizing the token fully, the error message displayed on the frontend leaks the raw GitLab access token. This token leakage exposes sensitive credentials that could allow an attacker with access to the token to perform unauthorized actions on GitLab repositories. Depending on the permissions associated with the leaked token, an attacker could push malicious code, delete Git resources, revoke or generate new keys, and sign code illegitimately, potentially compromising the software supply chain. The vulnerability requires the attacker to have some level of privileges (PR:L) and user interaction (UI:R), and it is exploitable remotely over the network (AV:N). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the vulnerability affects only the vulnerable component without impacting other components. The confidentiality impact is high (C:H), while integrity and availability impacts are none (I:N, A:N). No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches or mitigation links were provided in the source information. The vulnerability was published on January 4, 2024, and assigned a CVSS v3.1 score of 5.7, indicating medium severity. The root cause is insufficient sanitization of error messages that inadvertently expose sensitive tokens on the frontend interface, which could be accessed by unauthorized users if the error is triggered.

For European organizations using Red Hat Developer Hub 1.1 on RHEL 9 integrated with GitLab repositories, this vulnerability poses a significant confidentiality risk. Exposure of GitLab access tokens could lead to unauthorized repository access, enabling attackers to inject malicious code into software projects, delete critical resources, or manipulate repository keys. This could result in compromised software supply chains, loss of intellectual property, and potential downstream impacts on customers and partners relying on the affected software. While the vulnerability does not directly affect system integrity or availability, the ability to push malicious code or revoke keys can indirectly cause severe operational and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors with high reliance on secure software development practices, such as finance, government, and critical infrastructure, may face elevated risks. The requirement for some privileges and user interaction limits the ease of exploitation but does not eliminate the threat, especially in environments with multiple users or where error messages are exposed to broader audiences. The absence of known exploits in the wild reduces immediate risk but should not lead to complacency given the potential impact.

1. Immediately review and sanitize error handling in the catalog-import function to ensure no sensitive information, such as access tokens, is exposed in frontend error messages. 2. Implement strict input validation and output encoding to prevent leakage of sensitive data through error messages or logs. 3. Rotate all GitLab access tokens that may have been exposed due to this vulnerability to invalidate any potentially compromised credentials. 4. Restrict permissions associated with GitLab tokens to the minimum necessary, following the principle of least privilege, to limit potential damage if tokens are leaked. 5. Monitor application logs and frontend error outputs for any signs of token leakage or exploitation attempts. 6. Educate developers and DevOps teams on secure error handling practices and the risks of exposing sensitive information. 7. Apply any official patches or updates from Red Hat as soon as they become available. 8. Consider implementing additional security controls such as Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) to detect and block suspicious activities targeting the catalog-import function. 9. Conduct regular security audits and code reviews focusing on error handling and token management in development environments.