CVE-2005-3337 in Mantis
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in Mantis before 0.19.3 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via (1) unknown vectors involving Javascript and (2) mantis/view_all_set.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3337 represents a critical security flaw in the Mantis bug tracking system prior to version 0.19.3, exposing the application to multiple cross-site scripting attack vectors that could enable remote code execution and user session hijacking. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-79 category of Cross-Site Scripting, specifically targeting the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in web responses. The flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors: an unspecified method involving javascript injection and a more clearly defined vulnerability in the mantis/view_all_set.php script, both of which could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into the application's web interface.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the application's insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within its web framework. When users interact with the affected Mantis system, particularly through the view_all_set.php endpoint, the application fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied data before incorporating it into HTML responses. This creates opportunities for attackers to embed malicious javascript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers when they view affected pages. The unspecified vector suggests that the vulnerability may also exist in other parts of the application's codebase where user input is processed without adequate sanitization, potentially affecting multiple endpoints and functionality areas.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-3337 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as successful exploitation could lead to complete session hijacking, privilege escalation, and persistent malicious presence within the application environment. Attackers could leverage these vulnerabilities to steal user credentials, modify project data, or redirect users to malicious sites for phishing attacks. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based bug tracking systems. The vulnerability's presence in the core view functionality of the application means that any user viewing affected pages could become compromised, potentially affecting all users within the system.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding across all user-facing application components. Organizations should immediately upgrade to Mantis version 0.19.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address these XSS vulnerabilities. Additionally, administrators should implement proper content security policies, employ web application firewalls, and conduct regular security assessments of their bug tracking systems. The remediation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through social engineering and T1059 for command and control through malicious code execution. Security teams should also establish monitoring protocols to detect unusual user behavior patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while ensuring that all user input is properly escaped before being rendered in web interfaces to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future.