CVE-2011-3357 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in bug_actiongroup_ext_page.php in MantisBT before 1.2.8 allows remote attackers to include and execute arbitrary local files via a .. (dot dot) in the action parameter, related to bug_actiongroup_page.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-3357 represents a critical directory traversal flaw affecting MantisBT versions prior to 1.2.8. This security weakness exists within the bug_actiongroup_ext_page.php component of the bug tracking system, which processes user-supplied input through the action parameter. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly restrict file path traversal sequences, specifically allowing attackers to manipulate the action parameter with .. (dot dot) sequences to navigate outside the intended directory boundaries. This flaw enables malicious actors to access arbitrary local files on the server hosting the MantisBT application, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, system compromise, or execution of malicious code. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as "Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory ('Path Traversal')" which is a well-documented weakness in software security that has been exploited in numerous applications across different platforms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker to craft a malicious request that includes directory traversal sequences within the action parameter of the bug_actiongroup_ext_page.php script. When the application processes this input without proper validation, it allows the attacker to specify file paths that extend beyond the intended directory structure, potentially accessing sensitive files such as configuration files, database credentials, or system files. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the file system level, meaning that successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise. The related bug_actiongroup_page.php component further amplifies the risk by providing additional attack vectors that could be leveraged in combination with the primary vulnerability. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell" and T1566.001 for "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" when attackers attempt to gain access to system resources through manipulated file inclusion mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3357 extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and potential lateral movement within network environments. Organizations running vulnerable MantisBT installations face significant risk of unauthorized access to their bug tracking databases, which may contain sensitive project information, user credentials, and business-critical data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with internet-facing bug tracking systems. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary local files through this vulnerability opens pathways for attackers to deploy malware, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance activities within the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects not just individual applications but can potentially serve as a foothold for more extensive attacks, particularly in environments where MantisBT is integrated with other systems or where attackers can leverage the compromised system as a pivot point for network exploration.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to MantisBT version 1.2.8 or later to address this vulnerability, as this release includes proper input validation and sanitization measures that prevent directory traversal attacks. System administrators should also implement additional security controls such as input validation at the web application firewall level, regular security scanning of web applications, and monitoring for suspicious file access patterns. The implementation of principle of least privilege access controls and proper file system permissions can help mitigate the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications or systems that may be susceptible to similar directory traversal vulnerabilities, particularly those that process user-supplied file paths or include files based on external input. Regular security training for developers on secure coding practices and input validation techniques remains essential in preventing similar vulnerabilities from being introduced into software applications. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain current inventories of all web applications and their respective versions to quickly identify vulnerable systems.