What is CVE-2025-0998?
CVE-2025-0998 is a critical remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in GitLab Community Edition (CE) and Enterprise Edition (EE), specifically in the Wiki feature.
The flaw lies in improper sanitization of user-supplied content within Wiki pages.
Attackers with basic access to a GitLab project can inject specially crafted content or uploads, leading to arbitrary code execution on the server during Wiki rendering.
Because GitLab hosts sensitive source code, deployment pipelines, and environment secrets, a breach could lead to devastating internal compromises.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| CVE ID | CVE-2025-0998 |
| Severity | Critical |
| CVSS Score | 9.6 |
| Attack Vector | Remote |
| Privileges Required | Low (Wiki access) |
| User Interaction | None (automatic rendering) |
| Impact | Remote Code Execution |
Who Should Be Paying Attention?
Vulnerable versions:
- GitLab CE/EE versions 16.7.0 before 16.7.6
- GitLab CE/EE versions 16.6.0 before 16.6.8
- GitLab CE/EE earlier versions if not backported patches
Environments at risk:
- Enterprises using GitLab for internal collaboration and development
- Organizations allowing open or semi-open GitLab projects
- Companies exposing GitLab externally without strict access controls
Who is Exploiting CVE-2025-0998 and How?
- Proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits are available.
- No public mass exploitation yet — but researchers and threat actors are testing.
Typical attack flow:
- Upload malicious content to a Wiki page.
- When GitLab processes or renders the Wiki, unsafe operations trigger.
- Remote code execution occurs under the GitLab server context.
How Are Things Likely to Develop?
- Supply chain risks: attackers might poison build pipelines by compromising GitLab.
- Credential theft: stored tokens, private keys, or environment variables could be stolen.
- Infrastructure takeovers: GitLab servers could be pivot points for broader network attacks.
How Long Has CVE-2025-0998 Been Around?
Introduced during Wiki enhancements in mid-2024.
Patched during April 2025 in GitLab’s security release cycle.
Proof of Concept (PoC)
Disclaimer: For educational/defensive use only.
markdown
# Wiki Page Content
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Or crafting Wiki uploads with embedded payloads in markdown metadata to trigger unsafe parsing.
How to Mitigate or Patch CVE-2025-0998?
- Update GitLab CE/EE Immediately:
Patch to versions 16.7.6 or 16.6.8 (or newer). - Restrict Wiki Editing Rights:
Only allow trusted users to modify project Wiki pages. - Review Uploaded Wiki Content:
Scan for suspicious payloads, embedded scripts, or unusual metadata. - Enforce Approval Workflows: :
Implement review policies for Wiki content changes.
Conclusion
CVE-2025-0998 represents a high-risk vulnerability in the collaborative functionality of GitLab.
Patch now, harden access controls, and monitor Wiki content modifications to prevent supply chain or infrastructure compromise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is CVE-2025-0998?
A critical remote code execution vulnerability in GitLab’s Wiki feature.
Which GitLab versions are vulnerable?
GitLab CE/EE 16.7.0-16.7.5 and 16.6.0-16.6.7.
How can attackers exploit CVE-2025-0998?
By injecting malicious content into GitLab Wiki pages or uploads.
Has CVE-2025-0998 been exploited yet?
No mass exploitation confirmed, but PoCs are publicly available.
Should GitLab servers exposed to the internet be patched faster?
Yes — external exposure increases the risk significantly.
Does disabling Wiki features mitigate this risk?
Yes — disabling Wiki for unneeded projects eliminates this attack vector.
How do I patch CVE-2025-0998?
Upgrade GitLab CE/EE to 16.7.6 or 16.6.8 or later.
Can a WAF block attacks against this vulnerability?
Partially, but server-side patching is the real fix.
Where can I find GitLab’s official advisory?
At the GitLab Security Advisories page.
Is GitLab.com (SaaS) affected?
No — GitLab patched their SaaS platform before public disclosure.
