CVE-2014-8598 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
The XML Import/Export plugin in MantisBT 1.2.x does not restrict access, which allows remote attackers to (1) upload arbitrary XML files via the import page or (2) obtain sensitive information via the export page. NOTE: this issue can be combined with CVE-2014-7146 to execute arbitrary PHP code.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-8598 affects the XML Import/Export plugin within MantisBT version 1.2.x, representing a critical security flaw that undermines the application's access control mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the plugin's functionality, creating pathways for malicious actors to exploit the system's XML handling capabilities. The vulnerability exists in the plugin's design where proper user authentication and authorization validation are bypassed during both import and export operations, allowing unauthorized access to sensitive system functions. The flaw is particularly concerning because it enables attackers to manipulate the application's data processing capabilities without proper credentials or privileges, effectively compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the system's data handling processes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors that exploit the same underlying access control weakness. The first vector allows remote attackers to upload arbitrary XML files through the import page, which can contain malicious content that the system processes without proper validation. The second vector enables information disclosure through the export page, where sensitive data can be extracted by unauthorized users who should not have access to such functionality. These attack vectors are particularly dangerous because they operate at the plugin level where the application's XML processing capabilities are exposed to external users without proper access restrictions. The vulnerability is classified as a privilege escalation issue under CWE-284, which specifically addresses improper access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized users to perform actions beyond their intended permissions.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8598 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as the vulnerability creates a foundation for more severe attacks when combined with CVE-2014-7146. This combination enables remote code execution capabilities where attackers can leverage the XML import functionality to upload malicious files that are then processed as PHP code, effectively allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability affects the entire MantisBT ecosystem by potentially exposing sensitive project data, user information, and system configurations to unauthorized parties. Organizations utilizing affected versions of MantisBT face significant risks including data breaches, system infiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe for organizations that rely on MantisBT for issue tracking and project management, as the vulnerability could expose critical business information and development assets.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a prime example of how insufficient input validation and access control can create cascading security risks within web applications. The flaw demonstrates the importance of implementing proper authorization checks at every level of application functionality, particularly for plugins that handle data import and export operations. Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including restricting access to the XML Import/Export plugin, implementing proper authentication controls, and applying the vendor-provided patches. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution and T1068 for local privilege escalation, as it creates pathways for attackers to execute malicious code and gain unauthorized system access. Additionally, this vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and proper input validation to prevent similar issues in other applications that process external data formats. The combination of these vulnerabilities with CVE-2014-7146 specifically demonstrates how seemingly minor access control flaws can compound into severe security incidents, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive security testing and defense-in-depth strategies.