CVE-2017-7241 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the MantisBT Move Attachments page (move_attachments_page.php, part of admin tools) allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary code through a crafted 'type' parameter, if Content Security Protection (CSP) settings allows it. This is fixed in 1.3.9, 2.1.3, and 2.2.3. Note that this vulnerability is not exploitable if the admin tools directory is removed, as recommended in the "Post-installation and upgrade tasks" of the MantisBT Admin Guide. A reminder to do so is also displayed on the login page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/24/2022
The CVE-2017-7241 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in the MantisBT bug tracking system's administrative tools, specifically within the move_attachments_page.php component. This vulnerability exists in the application's handling of user-supplied input through the 'type' parameter, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious code within the context of affected user sessions. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize or escape user-provided data before incorporating it into dynamic web content, allowing attackers to inject malicious scripts that can be executed by other users who view the affected pages.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the 'type' parameter in the move_attachments_page.php URL, which is part of the admin tools functionality. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through this parameter, the application processes the input without adequate validation or sanitization, leading to the injection of executable JavaScript code into the web page. This vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the administrative interface where users typically have elevated privileges, potentially allowing attackers to escalate their privileges or gain unauthorized access to sensitive system functions. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-79 indicates it falls into the category of Cross-Site Scripting, which is a well-documented and widely exploited weakness in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data theft, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous when the Content Security Policy settings are configured to allow script execution, as these settings can be bypassed by attackers who understand the application's specific security mechanisms. The fact that this vulnerability affects the administrative tools component means that successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate attachments, potentially leading to data corruption, unauthorized access to sensitive information, or disruption of the bug tracking system's functionality. The vulnerability's presence in the admin tools directory makes it especially attractive to attackers targeting enterprise environments where MantisBT systems are deployed.
The vulnerability is addressed through patches released in MantisBT versions 1.3.9, 2.1.3, and 2.2.3, which implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Security practitioners should note that the recommended mitigation strategy includes removing the admin tools directory entirely, as specified in the MantisBT Admin Guide's post-installation and upgrade tasks. This approach aligns with the principle of least privilege and defense in depth, as it eliminates the attack surface entirely by removing unnecessary administrative components from the web root. The login page reminder to remove the admin tools directory demonstrates the application's awareness of this security consideration and reinforces the importance of proper system hardening. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management procedures to ensure timely deployment of security updates, while also conducting regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in their web applications. The vulnerability's characteristics also highlight the importance of implementing Content Security Policies that properly restrict script execution, as well as maintaining up-to-date security configurations that align with established security frameworks and best practices.