CVE-2011-3755 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
MantisBT 1.2.4 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a direct request to a .php file, which reveals the installation path in an error message, as demonstrated by view_all_inc.php and certain other files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3755 affects MantisBT version 1.2.4, a widely used web-based issue tracking system that helps organizations manage software development projects and track bugs. This security flaw represents a classic information disclosure vulnerability that exposes sensitive system details to remote attackers without requiring authentication or specific privileges. The vulnerability stems from inadequate error handling within the application's PHP code implementation, specifically in how the system processes direct requests to certain .php files. When attackers make unauthorized direct requests to files such as view_all_inc.php and other related components, the application fails to properly sanitize error messages, resulting in the exposure of the system's installation path through error output.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the application's failure to implement proper input validation and error handling mechanisms. When a direct request is made to these PHP files, the system does not adequately check whether the request is legitimate or whether the user has proper authorization to access the requested resource. Instead, the application generates error messages that inadvertently reveal the full server path where MantisBT is installed, including directory structures and file locations. This type of information disclosure can be categorized under CWE-200, which specifically addresses improper handling of sensitive information in software applications. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental weakness in the application's security architecture, where error messages are not properly sanitized before being displayed to users, creating an information leak that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-3755 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the revealed installation paths provide attackers with critical intelligence for subsequent exploitation attempts. Knowledge of the exact directory structure allows threat actors to craft more sophisticated attacks, potentially leading to directory traversal vulnerabilities, file inclusion exploits, or other privilege escalation techniques. This information can be particularly valuable in advanced attack scenarios where attackers need to understand the application's file system layout to execute successful exploitation attempts. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality aspect of the CIA triad by exposing sensitive system information that could aid in planning further attacks, while also potentially compromising the integrity of the system through information gathering that enables more targeted exploitation strategies. From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which involves data from information repositories, as attackers can use the exposed information to map the target environment more effectively.
Organizations utilizing MantisBT 1.2.4 should prioritize immediate remediation through patching the application to the latest available version that addresses this vulnerability. The most effective mitigation strategy involves implementing proper error handling mechanisms that prevent sensitive path information from being exposed in error messages, which can be achieved through comprehensive input validation and the implementation of generic error pages that do not reveal system internals. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block direct file access attempts, as well as conducting regular security audits to identify other potential information disclosure vulnerabilities within the application. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of secure coding practices, particularly in error handling and input validation, as these fundamental security controls can prevent numerous classes of vulnerabilities from being exploited in real-world scenarios.