CVE-2014-9572 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
MantisBT before 1.2.19 and 1.3.x before 1.3.0-beta.2 does not properly restrict access to /*/install.php, which allows remote attackers to obtain database credentials via the install parameter with the value 4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-9572 affects MantisBT versions prior to 1.2.19 and 1.3.x before 1.3.0-beta.2, representing a critical access control flaw that exposes sensitive database credentials to remote attackers. This issue stems from improper access restrictions within the application's installation script, specifically the install.php file, which should only be accessible during legitimate installation processes. The vulnerability manifests when attackers exploit the install parameter with the value 4, allowing them to bypass authentication mechanisms and extract database configuration details that are typically protected from unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly validate user permissions before executing sensitive database credential retrieval operations. When the install parameter is set to 4, the system attempts to display database connection information without verifying whether the requesting user possesses appropriate authorization levels. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control, which aligns with CWE-285, Access Control Flaws, and specifically demonstrates how weak authorization checks can lead to information disclosure vulnerabilities. The flaw operates at the application logic level where the system assumes legitimate users will not attempt to access installation functions after initial setup, creating a persistent security gap that attackers can exploit.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as database credentials obtained through this method can enable attackers to establish persistent access to backend systems, potentially leading to full database compromise. An attacker with access to these credentials could perform unauthorized data manipulation, extract sensitive information, or even escalate privileges within the database environment. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001, "Phishing for Information", as it allows for automated credential harvesting without requiring social engineering or user interaction beyond initial access. The exposure of database credentials also increases risk to other systems that may share the same database connections or authentication mechanisms, creating potential chain reactions throughout the network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability include immediate patching to versions 1.2.19 or 1.3.0-beta.2, which contain proper access control measures for the installation script. Organizations should also implement network-level restrictions to limit access to installation files, particularly in production environments where these scripts should not be accessible. Additional protective measures include disabling or removing installation scripts after initial deployment, implementing proper file permissions that restrict access to authorized personnel only, and conducting regular security audits to identify and remediate similar access control weaknesses. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control enforcement, particularly for administrative functions that handle sensitive system information, reinforcing the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks for protecting against information disclosure threats.