CVE-2017-12061 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability known as XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) has been found in the admin/install.php file of MantisBT versions prior to 1.3.12 and 2.x versions prior to 2.5.2. This flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code, posing a risk to affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2017-12061

What is CVE-2017-12061?

CVE-2017-12061 is an XSS vulnerability in MantisBT versions before 1.3.12 and 2.x before 2.5.2, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code.

The Impact of CVE-2017-12061

The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-12061

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from unsanitized user-controlled variables in the MantisBT installation script, such as $f_database, $f_db_username, and $f_admin_username, which can be exploited by attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

MantisBT versions prior to 1.3.12
MantisBT 2.x versions prior to 2.5.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious JavaScript code into the affected variables, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Delete the admin/ folder after completing the MantisBT installation process to mitigate the risk.
Implement a Content Security Policy (CSP) to prevent XSS attacks effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update MantisBT to the latest version to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe installation practices and the importance of security measures.
Monitor and restrict user input to prevent malicious code injection.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates released by MantisBT promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.