CVE-2014-9759 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
Incomplete blacklist vulnerability in the config_is_private function in config_api.php in MantisBT 1.3.x before 1.3.0 allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive master salt configuration information via a SOAP API request.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/13/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2014-9759 represents a critical security flaw in MantisBT version 1.3.x before 1.3.0, specifically within the config_api.php file's config_is_private function. This issue constitutes an incomplete blacklist vulnerability that directly impacts the software's ability to properly validate and restrict access to sensitive configuration data. The flaw exists in the SOAP API implementation where the system fails to adequately verify whether incoming requests should be granted access to master salt configuration information, creating a potential pathway for unauthorized data exposure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the config_is_private function's insufficient validation mechanism that relies on an incomplete blacklist approach rather than a comprehensive whitelist strategy. When remote attackers submit SOAP API requests, the function fails to properly filter or validate the request parameters, allowing malicious actors to bypass intended access controls. This incomplete blacklist approach means that certain configuration parameters are not properly protected, enabling attackers to extract sensitive master salt information that should remain restricted to authorized administrative users only. The vulnerability specifically affects the SOAP API interface, which is commonly used for programmatic access to MantisBT's configuration management systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as the master salt configuration represents a fundamental security component that can compromise the entire system's cryptographic integrity. When an attacker successfully extracts the master salt, they gain access to a critical element that can be used to decrypt other sensitive configuration data or potentially facilitate further attacks. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the CWE-20 category, which addresses "Improper Input Validation" and specifically addresses incomplete blacklist implementations that fail to properly validate input parameters. The exposure of master salt information can lead to cascading security failures where other encrypted data becomes vulnerable to decryption attempts, making this issue particularly dangerous in environments where MantisBT manages sensitive project information or user data.
Organizations utilizing MantisBT versions prior to 1.3.0 should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on both immediate patching and temporary access restrictions. The primary remediation involves upgrading to MantisBT version 1.3.0 or later, which includes proper input validation and enhanced access control mechanisms for the SOAP API. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing network-level restrictions to limit access to the SOAP API endpoints and ensure that only trusted IP addresses can submit requests. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1566.001 "Phishing: Spearphishing Attachment" indicates that attackers may use this information to craft more sophisticated social engineering campaigns, while the broader ATT&CK framework category T1528 "Steal Application Access Token" suggests that the extracted information could be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks. Security teams should also monitor for unusual API access patterns and implement logging controls to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation, aligning with NIST SP 800-53 control CM-7 which emphasizes the need for continuous monitoring and testing of security controls to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive system information.