CVE-2017-6799 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in view_filters_page.php in MantisBT before 2.2.1 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript via the 'view_type' parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2020
The cross-site scripting vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6799 affects MantisBT versions prior to 2.2.1, specifically within the view_filters_page.php component. This vulnerability represents a classic client-side attack vector that enables remote threat actors to execute malicious JavaScript code in the context of affected user sessions. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user input passed through the 'view_type' parameter, creating an opening for malicious payload injection. Such vulnerabilities fall under CWE-79 which categorizes cross-site scripting as a critical web application security weakness that allows attackers to manipulate client-side execution environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts a malicious URL containing JavaScript code within the view_type parameter and delivers it to unsuspecting users. When victims access the crafted URL, the malicious script executes in their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it operates without requiring authentication or privileged access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may interact with untrusted web content. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which describes the use of script-based attacks to execute malicious code in web browsers.
The operational consequences of CVE-2017-6799 extend beyond immediate code execution, as successful exploitation can lead to persistent security breaches within organizational networks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish footholds for more sophisticated attacks, potentially escalating privileges or accessing sensitive project data managed by MantisBT. The vulnerability affects the application's input validation mechanisms, specifically the sanitization of user-provided parameters, which is a fundamental security control that should prevent such injection attacks. Organizations utilizing MantisBT versions before 2.2.1 face significant risk of unauthorized access and data compromise through this vector.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve upgrading to MantisBT version 2.2.1 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Security administrators should also implement comprehensive web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting XSS vulnerabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, enabling proper output encoding for all user-supplied data, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation controls as recommended by OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely deployment of security updates and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.