CVE-2008-0404 in Mantis
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Mantis before 1.1.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via vectors related to the "Most active bugs" summary.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0404 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the Mantis bug tracking system prior to version 1.1.1. This weakness resides within the application's handling of user input in the "Most active bugs" summary feature, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or encode user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages, allowing attackers to inject malicious content that gets executed by other users who view the affected summary page.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding practices within the Mantis application's summary generation functionality. When users interact with the "Most active bugs" feature, the system processes various parameters and data elements without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where attacker-controlled input can be seamlessly embedded into the web page output, bypassing the browser's security mechanisms designed to prevent script execution. The flaw operates under CWE-79 which categorizes improper neutralization of input during web page generation, making it a classic reflected XSS vulnerability that can be exploited through crafted URLs or data inputs.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to perform various malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and redirection to malicious websites. An attacker could craft a specially designed bug report or manipulate existing data to inject JavaScript code that would execute in the browsers of other users viewing the summary page. This could result in unauthorized access to user accounts, data exfiltration, or the deployment of additional malware within the victim's browser environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on web-based bug tracking systems.
Organizations utilizing Mantis before version 1.1.1 should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The recommended approach involves implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution and ensuring all dynamic content is properly escaped using appropriate encoding techniques. Security patches should be applied immediately to upgrade to version 1.1.1 or later, which contain fixes addressing the input validation gaps. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious input patterns that could indicate attempted exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers social engineering tactics including spearphishing with a link, making it a critical concern for organizations that may be targeted through malicious links delivered via the vulnerable summary feature.