CVE-2008-4687 in Mantis
Summary
by MITRE
manage_proj_page.php in Mantis before 1.1.4 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary code via a sort parameter containing PHP sequences, which are processed by create_function within the multi_sort function in core/utility_api.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4687 represents a critical code execution flaw in the Mantis bug tracking system prior to version 1.1.4. This vulnerability exists within the manage_proj_page.php component and specifically targets the multi_sort function located in core/utility_api.php. The flaw arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data that is subsequently processed through the dangerous create_function PHP construct, creating a path for remote authenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-94, which describes the improper execution of code due to insufficient input validation or sanitization of user-supplied data. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability need only authenticate to the system to leverage this weakness, making it particularly dangerous as it bypasses many traditional perimeter security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the inherent dangers of PHP's create_function mechanism, which dynamically creates functions from strings. When the sort parameter in the manage_proj_page.php script is manipulated with malicious PHP code sequences, these inputs are passed directly to create_function without proper sanitization. The multi_sort function in core/utility_api.php acts as the processing point where the unvalidated user input gets converted into executable code, effectively allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary PHP commands. This vulnerability operates under the principle of code injection, where attacker-controlled data is interpreted as executable code rather than plain text, making it a classic example of a server-side code execution vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this under T1059.007 for PHP and T1566.001 for malicious file execution, demonstrating the attack chain from initial access through code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted for organizations using affected versions of Mantis. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This could result in data theft, system infiltration, privilege escalation, and the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Mantis for bug tracking and project management, potentially exposing sensitive development data, source code repositories, and internal system information. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations, data breaches, and reputational damage if this vulnerability is exploited. The remote authentication requirement means that attackers do not need physical access or additional network privileges beyond legitimate user credentials, making the attack surface broader than typical local privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Mantis version 1.1.4 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization of the sort parameter. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the Mantis application to untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple levels including application firewall rules, web application firewalls, and application-level sanitization of all user inputs. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual sorting patterns or command execution attempts within the application logs. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the application stack. The patching process should include thorough regression testing to ensure that the security fixes do not introduce new functionality issues or break existing legitimate use cases within the application. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege for web server accounts and regular security audits can help minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities in the future.