CVE-2017-6973 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MantisBT Configuration Report page (adm_config_report.php) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary code through a crafted 'action' parameter. This is fixed in 1.3.8, 2.1.2, and 2.2.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-6973 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system, specifically affecting the administrative configuration report page. This issue resides in the adm_config_report.php file where improper input validation allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through manipulation of the 'action' parameter. The flaw demonstrates the classic characteristics of a server-side XSS vulnerability, where user-supplied data flows directly into the application's output without adequate sanitization or encoding mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of the 'action' parameter within the administrative interface. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through this parameter, the application fails to properly escape or validate the input before rendering it in the web response. This creates an opportunity for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised user's privileges. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no special privileges to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrative access is limited but user accounts exist.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it enables attackers to manipulate the administrative configuration reporting functionality. This could allow unauthorized users to access sensitive system information, modify configuration settings, or potentially escalate privileges within the MantisBT environment. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it targets the administrative interface, which typically contains sensitive system configuration data and access controls. Security practitioners should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms.
Organizations utilizing MantisBT versions prior to 1.3.8, 2.1.2, and 2.2.2 should immediately implement mitigations including patching to the affected versions, implementing proper input validation for the 'action' parameter, and applying web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious payloads targeting this specific vulnerability. The remediation strategy should include comprehensive testing of the patched code to ensure that the XSS vulnerability has been properly addressed and that no regressions have been introduced. Additionally, security teams should conduct thorough audits of the application's input handling mechanisms to identify and address similar vulnerabilities throughout the codebase, as this flaw demonstrates the importance of consistent security practices across all application components. The vulnerability also highlights the need for regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding standards that prevent injection attacks through proper parameter validation and output encoding.