CVE-2017-7309 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 (if CSP settings permit it) through a crafted 'config_option' parameter. This is fixed in 1.3.9, 2.1.3, and 2.2.3.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2025
The CVE-2017-7309 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system that specifically targets the administrative configuration report page. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.3.9, 2.1.3, and 2.2.3, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these software versions for their project management and issue tracking needs. The flaw resides in the adm_config_report.php component which fails to properly sanitize user input when processing the 'config_option' parameter, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute unauthorized code within the context of affected user sessions.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the config_option parameter which is processed without adequate input validation or output encoding mechanisms. When an attacker crafts a malicious payload and submits it through this parameter, the system fails to properly escape or filter the input before rendering it in the web interface. This lack of proper sanitization allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that can execute in the browser of authenticated users who view the affected configuration report page. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the administrative level, potentially enabling attackers to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive system information.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-7309 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, data exfiltration, and privilege escalation. When combined with appropriate content security policy configurations that may permit script execution, attackers can potentially redirect users to malicious domains, steal cookies, or inject additional malicious payloads that persist within the application environment. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in CWE-79 which addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands through the injected scripts. The administrative nature of the affected component means that successful exploitation could provide attackers with access to sensitive configuration data, user credentials, or system settings that could be used to further compromise the environment.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions 1.3.9, 2.1.3, or 2.2.3 to remediate this vulnerability, as these releases contain proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that prevent the injection of malicious code. Additional mitigations include implementing strict content security policies that limit script execution, enabling proper input sanitization at all entry points, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing practices that include both static and dynamic analysis of application code to identify potential injection flaws that could be exploited by attackers.