CVE-2014-9573 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in manage_user_page.php in MantisBT before 1.2.19 and 1.3.x before 1.3.0-beta.2 allows remote administrators with FILE privileges to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the MANTIS_MANAGE_USERS_COOKIE cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2014-9573 represents a critical sql injection flaw discovered in the MantisBT issue tracking system, specifically within the manage_user_page.php component. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 1.2.19 and 1.3.x before 1.3.0-beta.2, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on this open source project management tool. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it targets the administrative functionality of the system, allowing remote attackers to escalate their privileges and execute malicious sql commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through manipulation of the MANTIS_MANAGE_USERS_COOKIE cookie parameter. When a remote administrator with file privileges accesses the system, the application fails to properly sanitize or validate the cookie input before incorporating it into sql queries. This lack of input validation creates a direct pathway for sql injection attacks, where maliciously crafted cookie values can be interpreted as sql commands rather than simple data. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-89, which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it leverages existing administrative privileges to execute unauthorized commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or modification. An attacker who successfully exploits this flaw can gain complete control over the database backend, potentially leading to unauthorized user creation, data exfiltration, system compromise, or even complete system takeover. The fact that this vulnerability requires only FILE privileges to exploit makes it particularly concerning, as it allows attackers to leverage legitimate administrative capabilities to perform malicious activities that would normally require higher-level access. Organizations using affected versions of MantisBT face significant risk of unauthorized database access and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9573 primarily focus on immediate version upgrades to patched releases of MantisBT, specifically versions 1.2.19 or 1.3.0-beta.2 and later. Additionally, organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for all cookie parameters, particularly those used in administrative functions. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of administrative interfaces, while regular security audits should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of keeping open source software updated and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent sql injection attacks that could compromise entire database systems.