CVE-2023-22476 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record details the vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22476, which affects Mantis Bug Tracker (MantisBT) versions prior to 2.25.6. The vulnerability involves the exposure of private issues' summary to unauthorized users due to insufficient access-level checks within the software.

Understanding CVE-2023-22476

This section provides insights into the nature of the CVE-2023-22476 vulnerability and its impact on systems.

What is CVE-2023-22476?

CVE-2023-22476 is a security vulnerability found in Mantis Bug Tracker (MantisBT) software versions earlier than 2.25.6. It allows any logged-in user permitted to perform Group Actions to access the Summary field of private Issues through a specific parameter, leading to the exposure of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22476

The impact of CVE-2023-22476 is considered medium, with a base score of 4.3. The confidentiality impact is rated as low, with no integrity or availability impact. The vulnerability requires low privileges to exploit, and user interaction is not necessary. The attack vector is through the network with low attack complexity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22476

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-22476, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

In versions prior to 2.25.6 of MantisBT, the vulnerability arises from inadequate access-level checks, enabling logged-in users to view the Summary field of private Issues using a crafted parameter in bug_actiongroup_ext.php. This issue has been resolved in version 2.25.6, and no workarounds are available.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Mantis Bug Tracker (MantisBT) versions earlier than 2.25.6. Specifically, versions below 2.25.6 are affected, while the latest version addresses this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-22476 involves leveraging the insufficient access-level checks in MantisBT to manipulate the

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parameter in bug_actiongroup_ext.php, granting unauthorized users access to private issue summaries.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22476 and prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their MantisBT installations to version 2.25.6 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability and enhance security. It is crucial to apply security patches promptly to safeguard against potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access control mechanisms, regularly monitoring for security updates, and conducting security audits can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. User training on secure usage practices is also beneficial.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for software updates and promptly applying patches released by MantisBT is essential in maintaining a secure environment. Keeping the software up to date ensures that known vulnerabilities are mitigated effectively.