
CVE-2026-97229: Attackers Are Actively Exploiting GitLab's Maximum-Severity CI/CD RCE Flaw
In October 2026, CISA confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2026-97229, a maximum-severity (CVSS 10.0) remote code execution vulnerability in GitLab's CI/CD Regular Expression Compiler. Discovered by security researcher joaxcar and stemming from an integer overflow weakness, the flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on GitLab servers via a specially crafted regular expression in pipeline configuration files. GitLab patched the issue in CE and EE versions 19.4.2, 19.3.5, and 19.2.8, while CISA added the CVE to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog and ordered federal agencies to remediate by Sunday under BOD 26-04. Nearly 2,800 internet-exposed GitLab instances remain potentially vulnerable. This incident is part of a broader pattern of GitLab vulnerabilities being weaponized in 2026, including a 2FA bypass and two additional critical RCE flaws patched earlier this year. The exploitation of DevSecOps platforms signals an escalating attacker focus on CI/CD supply chain infrastructure, where a single compromise can cascade into mass software supply chain breaches affecting downstream enterprise environments.
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