CVE-2010-2790 in Zabbix
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the formatQuery function in frontends/php/include/classes/class.curl.php in Zabbix before 1.8.3rc1 allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) filter_set, (2) show_details, (3) filter_rst, or (4) txt_select parameters to the triggers page (tr_status.php). NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-2790 represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness in the Zabbix monitoring platform's web interface. This flaw exists within the formatQuery function located in the frontends/php/include/classes/class.curl.php file, specifically affecting Zabbix versions prior to 1.8.3rc1. The vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions within the monitoring system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the Zabbix web application's trigger status page. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating four specific parameters: filter_set, show_details, filter_rst, and txt_select. These parameters are processed through the vulnerable formatQuery function when users navigate to the triggers page (tr_status.php). The flaw occurs because the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into dynamically generated HTML content, creating an environment where malicious payloads can be executed.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations relying on Zabbix for system monitoring and security operations. An attacker could inject malicious JavaScript code through these parameters, potentially gaining access to sensitive monitoring data, user sessions, or even escalating privileges within the Zabbix environment. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the monitoring system, as it allows attackers to compromise the integrity of the web interface where administrators and users interact with critical system information. This could lead to unauthorized access to system alerts, performance metrics, and configuration data that would otherwise be protected.
Organizations should immediately implement several mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability. The primary recommendation is to upgrade to Zabbix version 1.8.3rc1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to prevent the injection of malicious scripts. Additionally, network administrators should implement proper input validation at the application level, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are properly sanitized before being processed. Security measures should include implementing content security policies and using proper output encoding techniques to prevent script execution in web contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and could be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1566 for initial access through malicious web content, making it a critical concern for cybersecurity teams managing monitoring infrastructure.
This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive operational data. The flaw in Zabbix's implementation highlights how seemingly minor oversights in parameter handling can create significant security risks in monitoring systems that are critical to organizational security posture. Organizations should conduct regular security assessments of their monitoring platforms and maintain up-to-date patch management procedures to prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. The attack vector requires no special privileges, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with access to the affected Zabbix web interface.