CVE-2014-9280 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
The current_user_get_bug_filter function in core/current_user_api.php in MantisBT before 1.2.18 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the filter parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9280 affects MantisBT versions prior to 1.2.18, specifically within the core/current_user_api.php file where the current_user_get_bug_filter function resides. This flaw represents a critical security issue that enables remote code execution through improper input validation and sanitization. The vulnerability stems from the function's failure to properly handle the filter parameter, which is directly influenced by user-supplied data without adequate sanitization measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a classic command injection scenario where attacker-controlled input flows directly into PHP execution contexts. When the filter parameter is processed through the current_user_get_bug_filter function, the application fails to validate or escape the input before using it in sensitive operations. This creates an opportunity for malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code that gets executed within the application's context, potentially allowing full system compromise. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes improper control of generation of code, and represents a subset of code injection vulnerabilities that specifically target PHP applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses severe risks to organizations using affected MantisBT installations. Remote attackers can leverage this flaw to execute malicious code on the web server hosting the application, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or service disruption. The impact extends beyond simple code execution as attackers can escalate privileges, modify database contents, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the application's authentication and authorization mechanisms, potentially allowing unauthorized access to sensitive project data and user information. According to ATT&CK framework, this maps to T1059.007 for PHP code execution and T1566 for malicious code injection techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9280 require immediate patching of affected MantisBT installations to version 1.2.18 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Organizations should implement network-level restrictions to limit access to the MantisBT application, particularly disabling remote access where possible. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including application-level filtering, output encoding, and proper parameter handling. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in filter parameter usage and unusual system activities. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and regular security assessments can help identify and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices to prevent code injection attacks.