CVE-2012-1118 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
The access_has_bug_level function in core/access_api.php in MantisBT before 1.2.9 does not properly restrict access when the private_bug_view_threshold is set to an array, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended restrictions and perform certain operations on private bug reports.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-1118 affects MantisBT version 1.2.8 and earlier, specifically targeting the access control mechanisms implemented in the core/access_api.php file. This flaw represents a critical authorization bypass issue that undermines the security model designed to protect sensitive bug reports. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of the private_bug_view_threshold configuration parameter when it is configured as an array rather than a scalar value. This misconfiguration creates a path where unauthorized users can circumvent access controls that should restrict visibility of private bug reports to authorized personnel only.
The technical implementation flaw occurs within the access_has_bug_level function which fails to properly validate or sanitize array-based threshold values during access control checks. When administrators configure the private_bug_view_threshold parameter as an array, the function does not adequately process this input structure, leading to a scenario where access decisions are made based on incomplete or malformed data. This weakness allows remote attackers to exploit the system by crafting requests that bypass the intended authorization checks, effectively granting them access to private bug reports that should remain restricted. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization framework, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized data access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform various operations on private bug reports including viewing, editing, and potentially manipulating sensitive security-related information. This compromise of access controls can lead to significant security implications for organizations relying on MantisBT for bug tracking and vulnerability management, particularly in environments where sensitive security issues are tracked within the system. Attackers could potentially access confidential information about system vulnerabilities, security patches, or other sensitive technical details that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the bug tracking system's data protection mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to MantisBT version 1.2.9 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the improper access control handling. System administrators should review all configurations related to private_bug_view_threshold to ensure that array-based settings are not being used inappropriately, and should validate that access control parameters are properly configured with scalar values rather than arrays. Additionally, implementing network-level monitoring and access logging can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a specific implementation weakness in access control validation that could be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for social engineering through unauthorized access. Organizations should conduct security audits to verify that all access control mechanisms are properly validated and that no array-based configurations are being used in critical security parameters.