CVE-2018-6526 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
view_all_bug_page.php in MantisBT 2.10.0 allows remote attackers to discover the full path via an invalid filter parameter, related to a filter_ensure_valid_filter call in current_user_api.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-6526 affects MantisBT version 2.10.0 and represents a path disclosure issue that exposes sensitive system information to remote attackers. This flaw exists within the view_all_bug_page.php script which processes user requests for viewing bug reports. The vulnerability is triggered when an attacker submits an invalid filter parameter to the system, causing the application to reveal its absolute file path structure through error messages or response content. This type of information disclosure can provide attackers with critical system architecture details that may aid in subsequent exploitation attempts.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the filter_ensure_valid_filter function located in current_user_api.php. When the system encounters an invalid filter parameter, it fails to properly sanitize or handle the malformed input, resulting in the exposure of the full server path. This occurs because the application does not implement proper exception handling or input sanitization mechanisms that would prevent sensitive path information from being leaked to unauthorized users. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring authentication or special privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-6526 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance data that can be used to plan more sophisticated attacks. The leaked path information may reveal directory structures, file locations, and potentially even server configuration details that could be leveraged in combination with other vulnerabilities. This information disclosure aligns with CWE-209, which describes improper error handling that leads to the exposure of sensitive information, and represents a significant security risk for organizations relying on MantisBT for bug tracking and project management. Attackers can use the disclosed path information to craft more targeted attacks against specific system components or to bypass certain security controls that might otherwise protect the system.
Organizations using MantisBT version 2.10.0 should immediately apply the vendor-provided patch or upgrade to a newer version that addresses this vulnerability. The mitigation strategy should include implementing proper input validation and error handling mechanisms that prevent path information from being exposed to users. Security teams should also consider deploying web application firewalls or intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious parameter patterns and block requests that attempt to trigger path disclosure vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and code reviews should be conducted to identify similar input validation issues that might exist in other parts of the application. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper error handling as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's technique for credential access and defense evasion through information discovery activities.