gitolite contains a flaw that allows a local attacker to traverse outside of a restricted path. The issue is due to the program not properly sanitizing user input, specifically directory traversal style attacks (e.g., ../../). This directory traversal attack would allow a local attacker who has the ability to create arbitrary files in /tmp or has their own userID on the same system to gain escalated privileges.

Currently, there are no known workarounds or upgrades to correct this issue. However, a patch has been committed to the source code repository that addresses this vulnerability. Until it is incorporated into the next release of the software, manually patching an existing installation is the only known available solution. Check the vendor advisory or solution URL in the references section.

• CVE ID: 2012-4506 (see also: NVD)
• Secunia Advisory ID: 50896
• Vendor URL: https://github.com/sitaramc/gitolite
• Vendor Specific Advisory URL: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/gitolite/K9SnQNhCQ-0/discussion[1-25]

• Stephane