CVE-2025-31501 in Request Tracker
Summary
by MITRE • 05/28/2025
Best Practical RT (Request Tracker) 5.0 through 5.0.7 allows XSS via JavaScript injection in an RT permalink.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/28/2025
Best Practical RT Request Tracker version 5.0 through 5.0.7 contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that arises from improper input validation and output encoding in permalink generation functionality. This vulnerability specifically affects the way the application handles JavaScript code within permalink URLs, allowing malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they access affected links. The flaw exists in the application's handling of user-supplied data within URL parameters that are subsequently rendered in web pages without adequate sanitization or encoding measures.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of permalink components that contain user-generated content. When users create or share permalinks within the RT system, the application fails to properly escape or sanitize JavaScript code that may be present in the URL parameters or associated metadata. This weakness enables attackers to craft malicious permalinks containing script tags or other executable code that gets rendered directly into web pages viewed by legitimate users. The vulnerability is classified as a classic reflected cross-site scripting issue where the malicious payload is injected through the permalink mechanism rather than traditional form fields or query parameters.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it provides attackers with a vector for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration. When victims click on malicious permalinks, the injected JavaScript code executes in their browser context, potentially allowing attackers to steal session cookies, capture keystrokes, or redirect users to malicious sites. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where users frequently share links and permalinks within the RT system. Attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to sensitive issue tracking data, manipulate workflow processes, or escalate privileges within the application.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms for all permalink generation functions. The application must ensure that any user-supplied content within URL parameters undergoes strict sanitization before being rendered in web pages. This includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to prevent unauthorized script execution, using proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, and validating all input parameters against established whitelists. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block suspicious permalink patterns, while developers should follow secure coding practices that align with CWE-79 (Cross-site Scripting) and ATT&CK technique T1566.201 (Phishing via Service Provider) to prevent similar vulnerabilities in future development cycles. Regular security testing and code reviews should be implemented to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in the application's permalink handling mechanisms.