Europcar GitLab Breach Exposes Sensitive User Data and Configuration Files

 

A cybersecurity breach allegedly targeting Europcar has brought attention to vulnerabilities in corporate development platforms. A threat actor operating under the alias “Europcar” recently claimed on an underground forum that they had gained unauthorized access to the car rental giant’s GitLab repository, leading to the extraction of thousands of sensitive files. The attacker reportedly obtained over 9,000 SQL files and at least 269 .ENV files, which are commonly used to store application configuration settings, API keys, and other sensitive operational data. 

The scale of the breach raised concerns about the potential exposure of customer and internal company information. Europcar later confirmed the breach to BleepingComputer, clarifying that only a limited portion of its GitLab repository was compromised, and not the entire system as initially claimed. The company stated it is currently assessing the scope of the intrusion and is in the process of notifying affected users. Initial findings suggest that customer names and email addresses from affiliated brands such as Goldcar and Ubeeqo, generated between 2017 and 2020, may have been exposed. Importantly, payment data was not compromised in this incident. 

The Europcar data breach is believed to have been part of an extortion attempt, although it remains unclear whether any ransom was paid. The method used to access Europcar’s GitLab remains under investigation, but cybersecurity experts suspect phishing or infostealer malware as the most likely attack vectors. Credential theft through malware or social engineering continues to be a leading cause of repository leaks across industries.  

GitLab, a widely used platform for code collaboration and storage, is frequently targeted by cybercriminals. Attackers often exploit its popularity by spoofing repositories or distributing malicious packages. Developers are advised to exercise caution by verifying repository sources, reading user feedback, and implementing multi-layered security protocols. The GitLab repository leak highlights the broader issue of digital supply chain vulnerabilities. 

When attackers gain access to development environments, the consequences can include compromised applications, internal data leaks, and reputational damage. This incident reinforces the importance of robust cybersecurity hygiene, particularly for companies managing user-sensitive platforms. As Europcar continues to investigate the breach and tighten security protocols, the incident serves as another reminder of the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the urgent need for proactive security measures.