CVE-2011-3356 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in config_defaults_inc.php in MantisBT before 1.2.8 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the PATH_INFO, as demonstrated by the PATH_INFO to (1) manage_config_email_page.php, (2) manage_config_workflow_page.php, or (3) bugs/plugin.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3356 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system version 1.2.7 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the config_defaults_inc.php file and specifically targets the handling of PATH_INFO parameters within the application's web interface. The flaw allows remote attackers to inject malicious scripts or HTML content through manipulated URL paths, creating a persistent security risk for organizations relying on this open-source issue tracking platform.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the MantisBT application's configuration management pages. When the system processes PATH_INFO parameters in the specified URLs including manage_config_email_page.php, manage_config_workflow_page.php, and bugs/plugin.php, it fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in the web response. This oversight creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that execute in the context of authenticated users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or further exploitation of the compromised systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations utilizing MantisBT for project management and issue tracking. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can manipulate URL parameters. Successful exploitation could result in unauthorized access to sensitive project data, modification of configuration settings, or the execution of malicious code on victim browsers. The impact extends beyond individual user sessions as the vulnerability affects core administrative functions, potentially allowing attackers to alter workflow configurations or email settings that could compromise the entire system's integrity.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to MantisBT version 1.2.8 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should also include implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a common pattern that appears in many web applications where user input is not properly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies as additional protective measures against similar attack vectors. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the 'Command and Control' and 'Initial Access' phases, where attackers can establish persistent access through script injection techniques that leverage web application flaws to maintain control over compromised systems.