CVE-2011-2938 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in filter_api.php in MantisBT before 1.2.7 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a parameter, as demonstrated by the project_id parameter to search.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/25/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2938 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the MantisBT bug tracking system, specifically within the filter_api.php component. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.2.7 and demonstrates a classic input validation weakness that enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected user sessions. The flaw manifests when the system fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters, particularly the project_id parameter used in search.php, creating an avenue for persistent malicious code injection attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation mechanisms within the MantisBT application's filtering API. When the system processes the project_id parameter without proper sanitization, it allows attackers to inject malicious payloads that can be executed by other users who view the affected pages. This weakness operates at the application layer and leverages the trust relationship between the web application and its users, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through simple HTTP requests containing crafted payload data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and represents a common pattern of insecure input handling that violates fundamental web security principles.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2938 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, modify user permissions, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive project data within the bug tracking system. The attack vector requires minimal sophistication, as it can be executed through standard web browser interactions, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on MantisBT for managing sensitive software development workflows and project information. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity and confidentiality of the bug tracking environment, potentially exposing intellectual property and sensitive development data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2938 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MantisBT installations to version 1.2.7 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout their web applications, ensuring that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before processing or display. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth, though they should not replace proper application-level security measures. Security teams should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence to identify similar patterns in other applications. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality, while also implementing monitoring to detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing proper input validation as fundamental security controls that align with established security frameworks and best practices.