An XSS issue was discovered in browser_search_plugin.php in MantisBT before 2.25.2. Unescaped output of the return parameter allows an attacker to inject code into a hidden input field.
This vulnerability allows attackers to potentially manipulate user data and perform unauthorized actions within the application context. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, classified as medium severity, indicating a moderate risk level.
Risk to organizations includes data integrity issues, exploitation for unauthorized actions, and potential impact on user trust. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
As of now, known exploits for this vulnerability are available, and organizations must take this into account when assessing their security posture.
Mitigation measures should be implemented promptly to reduce exposure and protect against potential attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-28508 affects MantisBT versions prior to 2.25.2. The specific weakness is classified as CWE-79, indicating an issue related to improper neutralization of input during web page generation ('Cross-site Scripting').
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 6.1, which indicates a medium severity level. It has a low attack complexity, and an attacker does not require elevated privileges to exploit it. User interaction is necessary for exploitation, as the attack relies on the targeted user to engage with the malicious code.
The vulnerability was published on May 4, 2022, and the last modification was made on November 21, 2024.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the unescaped output of the return parameter in the browser_search_plugin.php file. This oversight allows attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into a hidden input field, which can be executed in the context of the user's session.
The attack vector is network-based, requiring an attacker to have access to the network where the MantisBT instance is hosted. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require any specialized knowledge or tools beyond a web browser.
No privileges are required from the attacker, making this vulnerability particularly concerning. User interaction is required, as the attacker must convince the user to interact with the malicious payload.
The confidentiality impact is low, as sensitive data may not be directly exposed, but integrity is at risk due to potential unauthorized actions within the application.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations running affected versions of MantisBT face real-world risks, including unauthorized access and manipulation of user input. The potential blast radius for this vulnerability includes all users interacting with the vulnerable application.
Given the low complexity and the requirement for user interaction, attackers may leverage this vulnerability in phishing campaigns or other forms of social engineering to exploit unsuspecting users.
Based on the CVSS score and the fact that it is not currently classified as a known exploited vulnerability (KEV), organizations should still address it in their priority patch cycle.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of MantisBT are all versions prior to 2.25.2. Organizations should ensure they are running a patched version to avoid this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations are advised to upgrade to MantisBT version 2.25.2 or later to remediate this vulnerability. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, organizations should implement input validation and output encoding to mitigate the risk.
Monitoring for unusual activities and ensuring secure configurations can also help reduce the risk of exploitation.
For comprehensive security, organizations may consider engaging in penetration testing to identify security weaknesses proactively.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual input patterns, especially in parameters related to user input. Look for behavioral anomalies in user sessions that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Establishing network signatures to identify abnormal traffic patterns associated with malicious payloads can be beneficial.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2022-28508 lies in its demonstration of the importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications. This vulnerability highlights the increasing trend of XSS vulnerabilities in web platforms, underscoring the need for robust security measures.
Security teams should focus on implementing and maintaining a comprehensive security posture to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future. Engaging in regular vulnerability management programs can help identify and address potential weaknesses before they are exploited.
In addition, adopting a proactive approach through penetration testing methodologies can provide insights into existing security gaps and improve overall resilience.
Lastly, organizations are encouraged to stay informed about emerging threats and trends in application security to adapt their defenses accordingly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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