CVE-2020-28483: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests in github.com/gin-gonic/gin
Summary
CVE-2020-28483: Inconsistent Interpretation of HTTP Requests in github.com/gin-gonic/gin. Affects github.com/gin-gonic/gin versions < 1.7.7. Fixed in 1.7.7. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
- golang-github-gin-gonic-gin · Debian:11
The same CVE-2020-28483 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
The package under scrutiny is github.com/gin-gonic/gin, which is a popular Go web framework. It provides a lightweight and flexible API for building web applications. The package is widely used in the Go ecosystem and offers various features such as routing, middleware, and request handling. However, versions prior to 1.7.7 are vulnerable to an inconsistency in the interpretation of HTTP requests. This vulnerability allows an attacker to spoof a client's IP address by setting the X-Forwarded-For header. This can lead to potential security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the inconsistent interpretation of HTTP requests in the gin package. When gin is exposed directly to the internet, an attacker can manipulate the X-Forwarded-For header to spoof the client's IP address. This can bypass IP-based access controls and lead to unauthorized access or privilege escalation. The impact of this vulnerability can be severe, as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the application's data. It is important to note that this vulnerability affects all versions of the gin package prior to 1.7.7.
How To Fix
Latest published version: v1.12.0 as of 22 Oct 2026
go get github.com/gin-gonic/gin@v1.12.0Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
1.7.7
This is the first release that contains the fix.
go get github.com/gin-gonic/gin@v1.7.7Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading the gin package is not immediately feasible, a possible workaround is to implement additional IP validation and filtering mechanisms within the application. This can involve verifying the X-Forwarded-For header against trusted proxies or using other request headers to determine the client's IP address. However, this workaround may introduce complexity and potential maintenance issues, so upgrading to the fixed version is the recommended solution.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the github.com/gin-gonic/gin package prior to version 1.7.7 is vulnerable to an inconsistency in the interpretation of HTTP requests. This can allow an attacker to spoof a client's IP address and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the package to version 1.7.7 or later. Alternatively, implementing additional IP validation and filtering mechanisms can serve as a temporary workaround. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to spoof a client's IP address, potentially bypassing IP-based access controls and gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.
All versions of the gin package prior to 1.7.7 are affected by this vulnerability.
To fix this vulnerability, it is recommended to upgrade the gin package to version 1.7.7 or later.
If upgrading the gin package is not immediately feasible, implementing additional IP validation and filtering mechanisms within the application can serve as a temporary workaround.
There are no known public exploits for this vulnerability at the moment. However, it is crucial to address the vulnerability promptly to prevent potential security breaches.
References
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for github.com/gin-gonic/gin.
