CVE-2014-9270 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the projax_array_serialize_for_autocomplete function in core/projax_api.php in MantisBT 1.1.0a3 through 1.2.17 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the "profile/Platform" field.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The CVE-2014-9270 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system, specifically targeting the projax_array_serialize_for_autocomplete function located in core/projax_api.php. This vulnerability affects versions ranging from 1.1.0a3 through 1.2.17, creating a persistent security weakness that allows remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of affected user sessions. The vulnerability manifests when users interact with the "profile/Platform" field, which serves as an input vector for attacker-controlled data that bypasses proper sanitization mechanisms. The flaw resides in the application's failure to adequately validate and escape user-supplied input before rendering it in web responses, creating a direct pathway for malicious script execution. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary web scripts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker submits malicious content through the profile/Platform field, which then gets processed by the projax_array_serialize_for_autocomplete function without proper input sanitization. The serialized data structure containing the attacker's payload gets embedded into the web page output, causing the browser to execute the malicious script when the page loads. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic improper input validation issue where the application assumes that user data will be properly formatted, failing to implement proper output encoding or sanitization routines. The impact extends beyond simple script injection, as successful exploitation can lead to session hijacking, credential theft, and privilege escalation within the application's context. The vulnerability's persistence across multiple patch levels indicates a fundamental flaw in the application's security architecture rather than a simple one-time coding error.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-9270 is significant for organizations relying on MantisBT for project management and issue tracking, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication. An attacker could craft malicious payloads that execute in the context of authenticated users, potentially gaining access to sensitive project data, user information, or even administrative capabilities depending on the user's privileges. The vulnerability's presence in the core API file suggests that it affects multiple application functions beyond just the profile/Platform field, potentially creating a broader attack surface. Organizations using affected versions face risks of data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive project information, and potential compromise of the entire application infrastructure. The vulnerability also impacts compliance with security standards such as ISO 27001 and NIST cybersecurity frameworks, as it represents a failure to implement proper input validation and output encoding controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9270 should prioritize immediate patching of affected MantisBT installations to versions that address the XSS vulnerability in the projax_array_serialize_for_autocomplete function. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application, particularly focusing on user-supplied data that gets rendered in web contexts. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional protection against script execution, while regular security audits should verify that all input handling routines properly sanitize user data. Network monitoring and intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect suspicious patterns in user input that might indicate attempts to exploit XSS vulnerabilities. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious payloads before they reach the application servers, and conduct regular security training for developers to prevent similar issues in custom extensions or modifications to the MantisBT platform. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in preventing cross-site scripting attacks, with implications for the broader software development community's approach to secure coding practices.