CVE-2017-5367 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple reflected XSS vulnerabilities exist within form and link input parameters of ZoneMinder v1.30 and v1.29, an open-source CCTV server web application, which allows a remote attacker to execute malicious scripts within an authenticated client's browser. The URL is /zm/index.php and sample parameters could include action=login&view=postlogin[XSS] view=console[XSS] view=groups[XSS] view=events&filter[terms][1][cnj]=and[XSS] view=events&filter%5Bterms%5D%5B1%5D%5Bcnj%5D=and[XSS] view=events&filter%5Bterms%5D%5B1%5D%5Bcnj%5D=[XSS]and view=events&limit=1%22%3E%3C/a%3E[XSS] (among others).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2019
The vulnerability CVE-2017-5367 represents a critical reflected cross-site scripting flaw in ZoneMinder versions 1.30 and 1.29, a widely deployed open-source closed-circuit television server application. This security weakness resides in the web interface's handling of user input parameters within the main application URL path /zm/index.php, where multiple entry points expose the system to malicious injection attacks. The flaw specifically affects form and link input parameters, making it particularly dangerous for a web application that serves as a surveillance management platform where authenticated users interact with sensitive security systems. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that are fundamental to preventing XSS attacks in web applications.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker crafts malicious URLs containing script payloads within the affected parameters such as action=login&view=postlogin, view=console, view=groups, and various filter parameters within the events view. These parameters are processed by the web application without adequate sanitization of user-supplied data, allowing malicious JavaScript code to be reflected back to the victim's browser when the crafted URL is accessed. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is executed in the context of the victim's authenticated session, potentially enabling attackers to perform actions with the privileges of the logged-in user. The vulnerability affects multiple parameter variations including filter terms with conjunction parameters and limit specifications, demonstrating the breadth of the input sanitization failure across the application's interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5367 extends beyond simple script execution, as it allows attackers to leverage authenticated sessions within the ZoneMinder environment. This presents a significant risk for organizations relying on ZoneMinder for security surveillance, since an attacker could potentially access sensitive video feeds, modify system configurations, or even manipulate recording settings. The vulnerability's exposure through commonly used interface parameters makes it particularly attractive to threat actors, as it requires minimal user interaction to exploit. Given that ZoneMinder is often deployed in security-critical environments such as retail stores, industrial facilities, and residential properties, the potential for unauthorized access to surveillance data represents a serious compromise of security infrastructure. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script execution within web browsers.
Organizations using affected ZoneMinder versions should implement immediate mitigations including input validation and output encoding for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in URL query strings and form submissions. The recommended approach involves implementing proper sanitization of input data before processing and ensuring that all output data is properly escaped for the target context, whether it's HTML, JavaScript, or URL contexts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of unauthorized scripts, and should conduct regular security assessments of their web applications to identify similar input validation vulnerabilities. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data, and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when proper security controls are omitted from web application development processes.