CVE-2018-13055 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the View Filters page (view_filters_page.php) in MantisBT 2.1.0 through 2.15.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary code (if CSP settings permit it) through a crafted PATH_INFO.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-13055 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the MantisBT bug tracking system that affects versions ranging from 2.1.0 through 2.15.0. This vulnerability specifically targets the view_filters_page.php component of the application, which serves as the interface for managing and displaying issue filters within the system. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages the PATH_INFO parameter, which is commonly used in web applications for routing and parameter passing, making it a persistent attack vector that can be exploited across various deployment scenarios.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding within the view_filters_page.php script. When the application processes PATH_INFO parameters without proper sanitization, it fails to adequately escape or filter user-supplied data before rendering it in the web page context. This allows an attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code that gets executed when other users view the affected page. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users interact with the bug tracking system. The flaw is categorized under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize or incorrectly sanitizing output, specifically manifesting as cross-site scripting in a web application context. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when Content Security Policy (CSP) settings are configured to permit script execution, as these policies may inadvertently allow the malicious code to run without restriction.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-13055 extends beyond simple data theft or session hijacking, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks within the target environment. An attacker could potentially use this vulnerability to escalate privileges, access sensitive project data, modify issue tracking information, or even establish persistent backdoors within the bug tracking system. The vulnerability affects all users of the affected MantisBT versions, making it a widespread concern for organizations that rely on this system for their software development processes. When combined with other vulnerabilities or used in conjunction with social engineering tactics, this XSS flaw could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to confidential information, manipulate project timelines, or compromise the integrity of the entire bug tracking infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be triggered simply by navigating to a specially crafted URL, making it difficult to defend against through traditional network-based security measures.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to protect their systems. The primary mitigation strategy involves upgrading to MantisBT versions that contain the patched implementation of the view_filters_page.php script, which properly sanitizes PATH_INFO parameters before rendering them in the user interface. Additionally, administrators should configure strict Content Security Policy headers that limit script execution to trusted sources and disable inline JavaScript where possible. Input validation should be enhanced at the application level to ensure that all PATH_INFO parameters are properly sanitized before processing, with particular attention to filtering out potentially malicious characters and sequences. Network-based defenses such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring for suspicious parameter patterns, though these solutions should complement rather than replace proper application-level fixes. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar issues within the application codebase, as well as maintaining current knowledge of security advisories and vulnerability databases such as those maintained by NIST and MITRE. Organizations should also consider implementing automated monitoring systems that can detect unusual patterns in user behavior or access to sensitive application components, which may indicate exploitation attempts targeting this vulnerability or similar XSS flaws.