CVE-2008-3880 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in zm_html_view_event.php in ZoneMinder 1.23.3 and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the filter array parameter.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3880 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within ZoneMinder version 1.23.3 and earlier, specifically affecting the zm_html_view_event.php component. This security weakness enables remote attackers to manipulate database queries through the filter array parameter, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data compromise. The vulnerability exists in the web application layer where user input is not properly sanitized before being incorporated into SQL command structures, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary database operations.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-89, which categorizes SQL injection vulnerabilities as a direct result of insufficient input validation and sanitization. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes the filter array parameter without adequate escaping or parameterization of user-supplied data, allowing attackers to inject malicious SQL code that gets executed by the underlying database engine. This type of injection occurs at the application level where the web interface interacts with the database backend through poorly validated input handling mechanisms.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to surveillance system integrity and data confidentiality. Attackers could potentially extract sensitive information including user credentials, system configurations, event logs, and surveillance footage metadata from the ZoneMinder database. The remote execution capability means that adversaries do not require physical access to the system, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for network-accessible surveillance deployments. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to potential system compromise, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to modify or delete database entries, potentially disrupting surveillance operations or creating backdoors for persistent access.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning to identify vulnerable systems. Organizations using affected ZoneMinder versions should immediately implement mitigations including input validation, parameterized queries, and web application firewalls to prevent exploitation. The recommended remediation strategy involves upgrading to ZoneMinder version 1.24.0 or later where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input sanitization and parameterized query implementation. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of surveillance systems to untrusted networks, while regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the security infrastructure.