CVE-2013-0232 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
includes/functions.php in ZoneMinder Video Server 1.24.0, 1.25.0, and earlier allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) runState parameter in the packageControl function; or (2) key or (3) command parameter in the setDeviceStatusX10 function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0232 represents a critical command injection flaw within ZoneMinder Video Server versions 1.24.0 and earlier, as well as 1.25.0 and prior releases. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's core functionality, specifically affecting the includes/functions.php file that handles various device control operations. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers exploit shell metacharacters in three distinct parameter fields, creating a pathway for arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it allows unauthorized remote access to execute system commands directly through the video server's web interface, potentially compromising the entire surveillance infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through three specific attack paths within the ZoneMinder application's device management functions. The first pathway involves the runState parameter within the packageControl function, where shell metacharacters can be injected to execute arbitrary system commands. The second and third attack vectors target the key and command parameters respectively within the setDeviceStatusX10 function, both of which similarly lack proper input sanitization. These functions are designed to manage device status and control operations, but due to insufficient parameter validation, malicious actors can inject shell commands that get executed by the underlying operating system. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77, which specifically addresses command injection flaws, and represents a classic example of improper input validation leading to remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-0232 extends far beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected ZoneMinder server and potentially the entire network infrastructure it operates within. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute commands with the privileges of the web server process, which typically runs with elevated permissions to manage surveillance equipment and access system resources. This could enable malicious actors to install backdoors, modify surveillance configurations, access recorded video data, or even use the compromised server as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on ZoneMinder for security monitoring, as it undermines the fundamental trust placed in the surveillance system's integrity and confidentiality. According to ATT&CK framework domain T1059, this vulnerability maps directly to the command and scripting interpreter technique, where adversaries leverage compromised systems to execute malicious commands.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-0232 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input sanitization and parameter validation. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to ZoneMinder version 1.25.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to resolve this vulnerability. Additionally, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers of the application architecture can help prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit exposure of the ZoneMinder server to untrusted networks. The implementation of web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional monitoring capabilities to detect and block malicious command injection attempts. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their surveillance infrastructure to identify other potential command injection vulnerabilities within similar systems, as this type of flaw commonly exists in applications handling device management and system control functions. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be implemented to maintain protection against known vulnerabilities.