The Danger of Malware Distribution Through GitHub and GitLab

A recent report by BleepingComputer has revealed how cybercriminals are exploiting a flaw in GitHub, and possibly GitLab, to distribute malware. This issue not only poses a threat to unsuspecting victims but also undermines the credibility and trustworthiness of these source code repositories.

The GitHub Vulnerability

The flaw in question is being exploited by threat actors to distribute malware through URLs associated with Microsoft repositories. This gives the malicious files an air of credibility, making them more likely to be downloaded by unsuspecting users.

However, after further investigation, it has been discovered that GitLab is also prone to this vulnerability and can be exploited in a similar manner.

While most of the malware distribution has been centered around the Microsoft GitHub URLs, this flaw can be abused with any public repository on GitHub or GitLab, making it a powerful tool for creating convincing lures.

The Potential for Malware Through Comments

In addition to using GitHub comments to distribute malware, BleepingComputer has reported that this flaw can also be exploited through GitLab comments. This means that cybercriminals can attach malicious files to their comments, making them appear to be legitimate attachments from popular open source projects such as Inkscape and Wireshark.

By manipulating the file name and uploading it to GitLab’s CDN, cybercriminals can create URLs that mimic those of the legitimate repositories, making them appear trustworthy to unsuspecting users.

The Consequences of This Vulnerability

As most software companies use GitHub or GitLab, this flaw opens the doors for cybercriminals to create highly believable and trustworthy lures. For example, they could upload a malware executable in NVIDIA’s driver installer repo, pretending it to be a new driver fixing issues in a popular game. They could also upload a file in a comment to the Google Chromium source code, pretending it to be a new test version of the web browser.

These URLs would appear to belong to the company’s repositories, adding a layer of credibility that makes them even more dangerous.

Unfortunately, there is currently no way for companies to manage or delete files attached to their projects on GitHub or GitLab, even if they become aware that their repositories are being used to distribute malware.

The Importance of Addressing This Issue

Given the potential consequences of this vulnerability, it is crucial for GitHub and GitLab to address this issue and implement measures to prevent cybercriminals from exploiting their platforms. BleepingComputer has already reached out to both GitHub and Microsoft, as well as GitLab, for comment and is awaiting a response.

It is also important for users to be vigilant when downloading files from GitHub or GitLab and to verify the legitimacy of the source before opening any attachments. This includes being cautious when clicking on links or downloading files from comments in these platforms.

In Conclusion

The flaw in GitHub and GitLab that allows for the distribution of malware through URLs associated with legitimate repositories poses a significant threat to users and undermines the trustworthiness of these platforms. It is essential for companies and users to be aware of this issue and take precautions to avoid falling victim to these malicious tactics. By addressing this vulnerability, GitHub and GitLab will be able to ensure a safer and more secure platform for their users.

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