CVE-2014-9271 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in file_download.php in MantisBT before 1.2.18 allows remote authenticated users to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a Flash file with an image extension, related to inline attachments, as demonstrated by a .swf.jpeg filename.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/10/2022
The CVE-2014-9271 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in MantisBT version 1.2.17 and earlier, which allows authenticated remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts within the context of other users' browsers. This vulnerability specifically targets the file_download.php component of the bug tracking system, exploiting a weakness in how the application handles file uploads and inline attachment processing. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal security restrictions by uploading malicious files with deceptive extensions that appear to be harmless images but contain executable script code.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability relies on the application's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing file attachments. Attackers can upload a Flash file with an image extension such as .swf.jpeg, which the system incorrectly treats as a legitimate image file. When other users view this inline attachment within the MantisBT interface, the embedded Flash content executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious websites. This represents a classic case of insecure file handling where the application fails to properly validate file content against its declared extension, creating a pathway for malicious code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with persistent access to the application environment and user sessions. Since the vulnerability affects authenticated users, attackers can leverage compromised sessions to access sensitive project data, modify bug reports, or escalate privileges within the system. The inline attachment feature that triggers this vulnerability is commonly used in collaborative environments where users frequently share screenshots, diagrams, and other visual documentation, making the attack surface particularly broad. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates how insecure file handling can create persistent security risks within web applications.
Organizations utilizing MantisBT versions prior to 1.2.18 face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it can be exploited through legitimate user accounts to compromise the entire system. The attack requires only basic authentication access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user access controls are not properly enforced. Security teams should implement immediate patching of the MantisBT application to version 1.2.18 or later, while also reviewing their file upload policies to ensure that proper content validation is enforced. Additional mitigations include implementing strict file type validation, disabling inline attachment rendering for untrusted files, and monitoring user activities for suspicious file upload patterns. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following ATT&CK framework techniques related to credential access and persistence through web application exploitation, as attackers can use this vulnerability to establish long-term access to the bug tracking system and potentially expand their attack surface within the organization.