CVE-2010-4350 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in admin/upgrade_unattended.php in MantisBT before 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the db_type parameter, related to an unsafe call by MantisBT to a function in the ADOdb Library for PHP.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/21/2025
The CVE-2010-4350 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.2.4. This vulnerability exists in the admin/upgrade_unattended.php file and stems from an unsafe handling of user input within the application's interaction with the ADOdb Library for PHP. The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate the db_type parameter through directory traversal sequences using .. (dot dot) notation, enabling them to include and execute arbitrary local files on the target system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the core of the application's upgrade mechanism, which typically requires elevated privileges and access to system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability leverages the insecure direct object reference pattern, where user-supplied input is directly used to construct file paths without proper validation or sanitization. When the db_type parameter contains directory traversal sequences, the application processes these inputs through the ADOdb library without adequate checks, resulting in the inclusion of files from unexpected locations on the filesystem. This behavior aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as directory traversal or path traversal attacks. The vulnerability specifically exploits the lack of input validation in the upgrade process, where the system should have validated that the provided database type parameter corresponds to legitimate database drivers within the expected directory structure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations using affected MantisBT installations, as it enables remote code execution capabilities that can be exploited without authentication. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially leading to full system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of services. The impact extends beyond simple file inclusion, as the upgrade process typically runs with elevated privileges, providing attackers with elevated access to the underlying system. The vulnerability also relates to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as the execution of arbitrary local files can include PowerShell scripts or other malicious payloads that can be leveraged for further compromise.
The exploitation of CVE-2010-4350 requires minimal privileges and can be executed remotely, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible MantisBT installations. Organizations running vulnerable versions face potential for complete system compromise, as the vulnerability allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute malicious code directly on the server hosting the bug tracking system. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it operates through legitimate upgrade mechanisms that are expected to be secure and properly validated. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to version 1.2.4 or later, which addresses the directory traversal vulnerability in the upgrade process. Additionally, network segmentation, input validation implementation, and monitoring of upgrade-related activities should be implemented to reduce the attack surface and detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of validating user input in all system components, particularly those handling configuration parameters and system-level operations, as highlighted by the CWE classification and the ATT&CK framework's emphasis on secure coding practices.