1. Introduction
The Request Tracker 3.x and 4.x application, prior to versions 3.8.15 and 4.0.8 respectively, is affected by multiple vulnerabilities. This Perl-based issue allows attackers to inject headers into emails, create articles with excessive privileges, hijack user authentication for bookmark toggling, bypass warnings, execute commands via GnuPG, and improperly sign or encrypt messages. Successful exploitation could lead to sensitive information disclosure, phishing attacks, and potentially arbitrary file creation on the server. This impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability depending on the exploited vulnerability.
2. Technical Explanation
These vulnerabilities stem from insufficient input validation, flawed access controls, and insecure handling of external processes within the Request Tracker web application. An attacker can exploit these weaknesses to manipulate system behaviour. The Nessus scanner relies on self-reported version numbers for detection; it does not actively test for these issues.
- Root cause: Missing input validation allows arbitrary headers in outgoing emails (CVE-2012-4730), improper access verification permits privileged user article creation (CVE-2012-4731), and insecure handling of links enables ‘confused deputy’ attacks (CVE-2012-4734).
- Exploit mechanism: A user with ModifySelf or AdminUser privileges can inject headers into emails. Any privileged user can create articles in any class. An attacker could craft a malicious link to bypass warnings and potentially execute commands if GnuPG is enabled (CVE-2012-4884).
- Scope: Request Tracker versions 3.x prior to 3.8.15 and version 4.x prior to 4.0.8 are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming vulnerability requires checking the application’s reported version number. Thorough assessment involves reviewing access controls and email handling configurations.
- Quick checks: Check the Request Tracker web interface for the version number, typically found in the ‘About’ section or similar administrative area.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 2181f5d2 can identify affected versions based on self-reported information. This is a passive check only.
- Logs and evidence: Examine web server logs for unusual requests related to email sending, article creation, or link handling. Specific event IDs are not available without further investigation.
# Example command placeholder:
# No specific command exists to directly detect these vulnerabilities; check the application version via the UI.
4. Solution / Remediation Steps
Upgrade Request Tracker to a patched version to address these vulnerabilities.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have access to the latest Request Tracker installer or package manager repository. A roll back plan involves restoring the backed-up database and configuration.
- A change window may be required depending on your environment. Approval from a system owner is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Download the latest Request Tracker version (3.8.15 or higher, or 4.0.8 or higher) from the official Best Practical Solutions website.
- Step 2: Stop the web server service running Request Tracker.
- Step 3: Install the new version of Request Tracker using your standard installation procedure.
- Step 4: Restore the backed-up database and configuration files if necessary, ensuring compatibility with the new version.
- Step 5: Start the web server service.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No specific configuration changes are required; upgrading the application is the primary remediation step. Older versions may have insecure defaults that are corrected in newer releases.
After
# Verify the new version number after installation via the web interface 'About' section.
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent similar issues.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – limit user access rights to reduce the impact of potential exploitation.
- Practice 2: Input validation – thoroughly validate all user-supplied data to prevent injection attacks.
- Practice 3: Patch cadence – Regularly update software to address known vulnerabilities.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# No specific automation script is provided as this requires application-specific installation procedures. Consider using configuration management tools to automate updates.
5. Verification / Validation
Confirm the upgrade was successful and vulnerabilities are resolved by checking the version number and testing key functionality.
- Post-fix check: Verify the Request Tracker web interface displays a version number of 3.8.15 or higher, or 4.0.8 or higher.
- Re-test: Run Nessus plugin ID 2181f5d2 again; it should no longer report these vulnerabilities.
- Smoke test: Confirm users can log in and create/update tickets as expected.
- Monitoring: Monitor web server logs for any errors or unusual activity related to email sending, article creation, or link handling.
# Example command placeholder:
# No specific command exists; verify version via the UI.
6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regularly update security baselines and implement checks in your CI/CD pipeline to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
- Baselines: Update your application security baseline to require Request Tracker versions 3.8.15 or higher, or 4.0.8 or higher.
- Pipelines: Implement Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and Software Composition Analysis (SCA) in your CI/CD pipeline to identify potential vulnerabilities early in the development process.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for all applications, including Request Tracker.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Upgrading may introduce compatibility issues with existing plugins or customizations.
- Risk or side effect 2: Customization conflicts – custom code modifications may need to be updated to work with the new version.
- Roll back: Restore the backed-up database and configuration files, then restart the web server service. Revert any changes made during the upgrade process.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: http://www.nessus.org/u?2181f5d2
- NVD or CVE entry: Multiple entries for CVE-2012-4730, CVE-2012-4731, CVE-2012-4732, CVE-2012-4734, CVE-2012-4884, CVE-2012-6578, CVE-2012-6579, CVE-2012-6580, and CVE-