CVE-2026-16301: Incorrect Authorization in GitLab
GitLab has remediated an issue in GitLab CE/EE affecting all versions from 18.7 before 19.2.8, 19.3 before 19.3.5, and 19.4 before 19.4.2 that, under certain conditions, could have allowed an authenticated user with Developer role to execute CI/CD pipelines on protected branches without authorization due to improper authorization checks in the downstream pipeline creation service.
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
GitLab CE/EEto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 19.2.8 - Upgrade
Upgrade
GitLab CE/EEto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 19.3.5 - Upgrade
Upgrade
GitLab CE/EEto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 19.4.2
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
Which users could exploit this issue?
An authenticated GitLab user with the Developer role could potentially exploit it. The issue applies when the conditions for downstream pipeline creation are present.
Are protected branches affected?
Yes. Under certain conditions, a Developer could execute CI/CD pipelines on protected branches without the required authorization because of improper checks in the downstream pipeline creation service.
Which releases contain the fix?
The issue is remediated in GitLab 19.2.8, 19.3.5, and 19.4.2. Affected versions are 18.7 through versions before 19.2.8, 19.3 releases before 19.3.5, and 19.4 releases before 19.4.2.