Description
The XmlImportExport plugin in MantisBT 1.2.17 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via a crafted (1) description field or (2) issuelink attribute in an XML file, which is not properly handled when executing the preg_replace function with the e modifier.
Fixed in Linux distributions
Distributions backport fixes, so the version that fixes this vulnerability differs per release — upgrade to at least the version shown. From the distributions' security trackers and advisories.
Debian
Security tracker ↗| Release | Package | Fixed in | Advisory |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian 7 | mantis | 1.2.18-1 | DSA-3120-1 |
Public exploits
Exploit or proof-of-concept code for this vulnerability is publicly available, which lowers the bar for attackers. Treat it as a reason to patch sooner.
Metasploit 1 module
-
MantisBT XmlImportExport Plugin PHP Code Injection Vulnerability
exploit/multi/http/mantisbt_php_exec
Exploit-DB 2
- Mantis Bug Tracker 1.2.0a3 < 1.2.17 XmlImportExport Plugin - PHP Code Injection (Metasploit) (2) EDB-35283 · remote · Nov 18, 2014 · verified
- Mantis Bug Tracker 1.2.0a3 < 1.2.17 XmlImportExport Plugin - PHP Code Injection (Metasploit) (1) EDB-41685 · webapps · Nov 18, 2014 · verified
Sources: PoC-in-GitHub, Metasploit Framework, Exploit-DB — updated daily. Only links are listed; no exploit code is hosted here.
Advisories 1
- DSA-3120-1 mantis - security update Debian Security (DSA / DLA) · Mar 9, 2026
References
- 70993 vdb-entry
- http://www.mantisbt.org/bugs/view.php?id=17725
- https://github.com/mantisbt/mantisbt/commit/bed19db9
- mantisbt-cve20147146-code-exec(98572) vdb-entry
- https://github.com/mantisbt/mantisbt/commit/84017535
- 62101 third-party-advisory
- [oss-security] 20141108 CVE-2014-7146: MantisBT XmlImportExport plugin PHP Code Injection Vulnerability mailing-list
- DSA-3120 vendor-advisory