CVE-2014-9089 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple SQL injection vulnerabilities in view_all_bug_page.php in MantisBT before 1.2.18 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the (1) sort or (2) dir parameter to view_all_set.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9089 represents a critical SQL injection flaw discovered in MantisBT version 1.2.17 and earlier, affecting the view_all_bug_page.php component. This issue enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands by manipulating specific parameters within the application's URL structure. The vulnerability specifically targets the sort and dir parameters in the view_all_set.php file, which are used to control the display order and direction of bug reports within the MantisBT interface. These parameters are processed without adequate input validation or sanitization, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to inject SQL commands into the backend database.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the MantisBT application's data processing pipeline. When users interact with the bug tracking interface and specify sorting criteria through the sort and dir parameters, the application directly incorporates these user-supplied values into SQL query construction without appropriate escaping or parameterization. This primitive approach to input handling violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct injection vector that allows attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. The vulnerability manifests as a classic SQL injection attack where malicious input can alter the intended query execution flow, potentially enabling unauthorized data access, modification, or deletion operations.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on MantisBT for their bug tracking and project management workflows. Successful exploitation could allow remote attackers to extract sensitive information from the database, including user credentials, project details, and confidential bug reports. The attack surface extends beyond simple data theft to include potential database manipulation and privilege escalation scenarios. Given that MantisBT is commonly used in development environments where sensitive project information resides, the implications of such an attack could extend to intellectual property exposure and operational disruption. The vulnerability affects the application's integrity and confidentiality, potentially compromising the entire bug tracking ecosystem.
Security practitioners should consider this vulnerability in the context of established threat frameworks such as the ATT&CK matrix where it maps to techniques involving SQL injection and command execution. The Common Weakness Enumeration categorizes this issue under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, while also relating to CWE-20 which covers improper input validation. Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation through patching to MantisBT version 1.2.18 or later, which implements proper parameter sanitization and input validation mechanisms. Additionally, network segmentation and web application firewalls should be configured to monitor for suspicious parameter patterns, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the application stack. The remediation process should also include thorough code review to ensure that similar input handling practices are not present in other parts of the application, reinforcing defensive programming principles and reducing overall attack surface.