CVE-2017-6797 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in bug_change_status_page.php in MantisBT before 1.3.7 and 2.x before 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript via the action_type parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6797 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system that affects versions prior to 1.3.7 and 2.x prior to 2.2.1. This vulnerability resides in the bug_change_status_page.php component of the application, which handles status change operations for bug reports. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the action_type parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where an application fails to properly validate or escape user-controllable data before incorporating it into dynamically generated web content. The vulnerability occurs because the application does not implement adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms for the action_type parameter, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the victim's browser session. This particular parameter is processed without proper sanitization, making it a prime target for injection attacks that can persist across user sessions.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-6797 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised user context. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, modify bug reports, or even escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the bug tracking system, as it allows attackers to compromise any user who views affected pages. The attack vector is straightforward, requiring only that a victim clicks on a malicious link or visits a compromised page that contains the injected JavaScript payload.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to patched versions of MantisBT, specifically version 1.3.7 or later for the 1.x series and version 2.2.1 or later for the 2.x series. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation measures and output encoding practices throughout their web applications to prevent similar vulnerabilities from occurring. The remediation process should include thorough code reviews focusing on parameter handling, particularly in areas where user input is processed and displayed. Security teams should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to provide additional protection against XSS attacks. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and maintaining up-to-date software versions as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's defensive techniques for preventing code injection attacks. Organizations using MantisBT should also establish regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities across their entire application portfolio.