CVE-2014-6316 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
core/string_api.php in MantisBT before 1.2.18 does not properly categorize URLs when running under the web root, which allows remote attackers to conduct open redirect and phishing attacks via a crafted URL in the return parameter to login_page.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6316 affects MantisBT versions prior to 1.2.18 and resides within the core/string_api.php file. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that enables remote attackers to manipulate URL redirection behavior when the application operates under a web root directory structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the improper categorization of URLs, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's authentication flow and redirect users to arbitrary destinations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and URL handling within the string_api.php component. When MantisBT processes user authentication requests through login_page.php, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the return parameter that contains the intended redirect URL. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that bypass normal security checks and redirect users to phishing sites or other malicious destinations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it leverages the legitimate authentication flow of the application to execute unauthorized redirects, making it difficult for users to distinguish between legitimate and malicious redirections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks, as it enables sophisticated phishing campaigns that can compromise user credentials and sensitive data. Attackers can exploit this weakness to direct users to carefully crafted phishing pages that mimic the legitimate MantisBT interface, potentially capturing login credentials or other sensitive information. The vulnerability affects all users who authenticate through the web interface and can be exploited without requiring any special privileges or authentication. This makes it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users access the system, as a single compromised user could inadvertently expose others to the phishing attack.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-601 Open Redirect vulnerability classification and maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 Phishing and T1071.004 Application Layer Protocol DNS. The attack vector demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can create significant security risks when they occur within core application components that handle user authentication flows. Organizations using affected versions of MantisBT should prioritize immediate remediation through patch updates to version 1.2.18 or later, as this vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting a malicious link. Additionally, network administrators should implement proper URL validation at the firewall or proxy level as an additional defensive measure while the primary patch is being deployed.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation and URL sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling authentication flows. This flaw demonstrates how insecure parameter handling can be exploited to create deceptive user experiences that undermine the security of legitimate applications. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their web applications to identify similar vulnerabilities in URL handling and redirection mechanisms, as these types of flaws often serve as entry points for more sophisticated attacks. The vulnerability also underscores the critical need for maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust security monitoring to detect and respond to exploitation attempts.