CVE-2018-9839 in MantisBT
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in MantisBT through 1.3.14, and 2.0.0. Using a crafted request on bug_report_page.php (modifying the 'm_id' parameter), any user with REPORTER access or above is able to view any private issue's details (summary, description, steps to reproduce, additional information) when cloning it. By checking the 'Copy issue notes' and 'Copy attachments' checkboxes and completing the clone operation, this data also becomes public (except private notes).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-9839 represents a critical access control flaw in MantisBT version 1.3.14 and 2.0.0, where unauthorized users can bypass security restrictions to access private issue data during the cloning process. This vulnerability specifically targets the bug_report_page.php endpoint and exploits the 'm_id' parameter to manipulate access controls, allowing users with REPORTER level privileges or higher to view confidential information from private issues. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient authorization checks within the cloning functionality, creating a path for privilege escalation through crafted HTTP requests. Security researchers have classified this issue under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, making it a direct violation of fundamental security principles that govern information system protection mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when users manipulate the m_id parameter to reference private issues, effectively circumventing the normal access control checks that should prevent unauthorized viewing of sensitive data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits a weakness in the MantisBT application's permission model during issue cloning operations. When a user with REPORTER access or higher attempts to clone a private issue, the application fails to properly validate whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access the target issue's details. The cloning process should normally enforce strict access controls to ensure that only authorized users can view private information, but the flaw in the code allows manipulation of the m_id parameter to reference any issue regardless of its privacy settings. This creates a scenario where the application's internal access control mechanisms are bypassed, enabling unauthorized data exposure through legitimate application functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects not only the basic issue details but also extends to additional information, steps to reproduce, and other associated data that may contain sensitive business or technical information. The impact is amplified when users select the 'Copy issue notes' and 'Copy attachments' checkboxes, as these actions can inadvertently make private data public, creating a comprehensive data exposure scenario.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-9839 extends beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential business disruption and compliance violations, particularly for organizations that rely on MantisBT for managing sensitive project information or security-related issues. When private issues containing confidential details are exposed through this vulnerability, organizations may face regulatory penalties under data protection frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or SOX, depending on the nature of the exposed information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire issue tracking system, potentially compromising sensitive project data, security vulnerability reports, or business-critical information that should remain restricted to authorized personnel only. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about system weaknesses, project timelines, or internal processes, providing them with strategic advantages that could be exploited in subsequent attacks. The flaw also represents a potential vector for advanced persistent threat actors seeking to escalate privileges within the system, as the ability to access private data often provides insights into system architecture and user access patterns that can be used for further exploitation.
Organizations utilizing MantisBT versions 1.3.14 and 2.0.0 should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the vendor-provided security patches as soon as they become available. The recommended approach involves implementing proper input validation for the m_id parameter and strengthening access control checks during the cloning process to ensure that users can only access issues they are authorized to view. System administrators should also conduct thorough audits of issue tracking data to identify any potential exposure that may have occurred before patching. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual cloning activities that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated access control monitoring to detect unauthorized access patterns and ensure that the application's permission model is properly enforced. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving privilege escalation and credential access, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information through manipulation of legitimate application functions. The vulnerability demonstrates how insufficient input validation and access control enforcement can create exploitable conditions that enable attackers to bypass security controls and access confidential data. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar access control weaknesses in other components of the application stack, ensuring comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.