CVE-2009-2802 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
MantisBT 1.2.x before 1.2.2 insecurely handles attachments and MIME types. Arbitrary inline attachment rendering could lead to cross-domain scripting or other browser attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-2802 affects MantisBT version 1.2.x prior to 1.2.2, specifically targeting the software's handling of file attachments and MIME type validation mechanisms. This security flaw resides in the application's content processing pipeline where it fails to properly validate and sanitize file attachments before rendering them within web browser contexts. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and improper MIME type handling that allows malicious actors to craft attachments with embedded malicious content. The vulnerability creates a dangerous condition where the application processes file attachments without adequate security checks, potentially enabling attackers to exploit browser rendering behaviors through crafted file content.
The technical flaw manifests when MantisBT processes user-uploaded attachments without enforcing strict MIME type validation or content inspection. The system accepts file uploads and stores them without adequately verifying their actual content against declared MIME types, creating a scenario where an attacker can upload a file with a misleading MIME type declaration. This weakness enables the execution of cross-domain scripting attacks through inline attachment rendering, as the browser processes the malicious content within the context of the vulnerable application. The vulnerability specifically affects how the application handles file rendering in web browsers, allowing for potential exploitation of browser security models through improperly validated attachment content. The flaw operates at the intersection of web application security and browser security boundaries where the application's trust in file metadata translates into actual execution risks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cross-site scripting attacks to encompass broader browser-based exploitation capabilities. When users view attachments within the MantisBT interface, maliciously crafted files can trigger browser security mechanisms that allow for unauthorized code execution or data exfiltration. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where multiple users interact with the system and where attachment handling is a common workflow. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious scripts in the context of the vulnerable web application, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or complete system compromise. The impact is exacerbated in environments where users may not be security-aware and where attachment handling is a routine part of issue tracking workflows.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-2802 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and MIME type enforcement within the MantisBT application. Organizations should immediately upgrade to version 1.2.2 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through improved attachment handling and MIME type validation. System administrators should implement additional security measures including content disposition headers that prevent inline rendering of potentially dangerous file types, and implement strict file type whitelisting for attachments. The solution aligns with CWE-434 which addresses insecure file upload vulnerabilities, and follows ATT&CK techniques related to malicious file execution through web interfaces. Security configurations should enforce strict validation of file content against declared MIME types, implement proper sandboxing of attachment rendering, and establish monitoring for suspicious attachment access patterns. Additionally, user education regarding safe attachment handling practices and regular security audits of file upload mechanisms should be implemented to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the future.