CVE-2015-5059 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
The "Project Documentation" feature in MantisBT 1.2.19 and earlier, when the threshold to access files ($g_view_proj_doc_threshold) is set to ANYBODY, allows remote authenticated users to download attachments linked to arbitrary private projects via a file id number in the file_id parameter to file_download.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5059 represents a critical access control flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system version 1.2.19 and earlier. This issue specifically affects the Project Documentation feature where the system configuration allows unauthorized access to sensitive project attachments. The vulnerability occurs when the $g_view_proj_doc_threshold parameter is configured to permit access by ANYBODY, creating a dangerous misconfiguration that bypasses normal permission controls. The flaw enables remote authenticated users to exploit the system by manipulating the file_id parameter in requests directed to file_download.php, effectively allowing them to download attachments from private projects they should not have access to.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authorization checks within the file_download.php script. When users submit requests with specific file_id values, the system fails to properly verify whether the authenticated user possesses the necessary permissions to access the requested attachment. This represents a classic case of insufficient authorization control where the system trusts user-provided identifiers without proper validation against the user's actual access rights. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application level and can be exploited by any authenticated user, regardless of their role or project membership status.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant security risks for organizations using MantisBT systems. Attackers can leverage this flaw to access confidential project documentation, source code attachments, design specifications, and other sensitive materials that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. The potential for data leakage increases substantially when considering that authenticated users might be legitimate employees or contractors who could be compromised through social engineering or credential theft. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues, intellectual property theft, and potential legal consequences if sensitive project data becomes accessible through this vulnerability. The impact extends beyond immediate data exposure to include reputational damage and loss of competitive advantage.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5059 require immediate configuration changes and system updates to address the core authorization flaw. Organizations should first review and correct the $g_view_proj_doc_threshold setting to ensure it is properly configured to restrict access to authorized users only, typically requiring a minimum access level such as REPORTER or higher rather than ANYBODY. System administrators must implement proper input validation and authorization checks within the file_download.php script to verify that users possess appropriate permissions before serving requested files. This aligns with the principle of least privilege and proper access control mechanisms as recommended in security frameworks such as those outlined in the CWE-284 category for improper access control. Additionally, organizations should implement regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar authorization bypass vulnerabilities in their application environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions to prevent exploitation of known security flaws. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts of this type of vulnerability.