CVE-2014-6387 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
gpc_api.php in MantisBT 1.2.17 and earlier allows remote attackers to bypass authenticated via a password starting will a null byte, which triggers an unauthenticated bind.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-6387 affects MantisBT version 1.2.17 and earlier, specifically within the gpc_api.php component. This represents a critical authentication bypass flaw that undermines the software's security model by allowing unauthorized access through a carefully crafted password input. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of null byte characters within password validation routines, creating a pathway for attackers to circumvent the authentication mechanism entirely.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the manipulation of password input validation processes where a password beginning with a null byte character triggers an unexpected behavior in the authentication system. When a null byte is present at the start of a password string, the underlying code fails to properly process the input, resulting in an unauthenticated bind operation instead of the expected authenticated session establishment. This occurs because the null byte terminates string processing prematurely, causing the system to interpret the input as an empty or invalid password, which then bypasses the normal authentication flow.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations using affected MantisBT versions to significant security risks including unauthorized access to issue tracking systems, potential data breaches, and privilege escalation opportunities. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain administrative access without proper credentials, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it can enable attackers to modify project data, manipulate issue records, and access sensitive information stored within the bug tracking system. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on MantisBT for managing critical software development processes and security issue tracking.
The flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input handling in software, specifically focusing on how null byte injection can bypass security controls. This vulnerability also maps to ATT&CK technique T1110.003, which covers credential guessing and password spraying attacks, as the null byte bypass effectively allows attackers to authenticate without knowing valid credentials. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of MantisBT, implement network-level controls to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns, and conduct thorough security assessments of their issue tracking systems. Additionally, input validation should be enhanced to properly sanitize all user inputs, particularly password fields, to prevent similar null byte injection attacks across the application stack. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper string handling and input validation in authentication systems, emphasizing that even subtle implementation flaws can create significant security weaknesses.