CVE-2019-13072 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
Stored XSS in the Filters page (Name field) in ZoneMinder 1.32.3 allows a malicious user to embed and execute JavaScript code in the browser of any user who navigates to this page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/09/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2019-13072 represents a critical stored cross-site scripting flaw discovered in ZoneMinder version 1.32.3, specifically affecting the Filters page within the Name field input area. This security weakness enables attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code that persists in the application's database and executes whenever any user accesses the affected page. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before storing and rendering it within the web interface. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it leverages the application's legitimate functionality to store user input, making the malicious code appear as legitimate content to the application's processing logic.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when a malicious actor submits specially crafted JavaScript code through the Name field of the Filters page. The application stores this input without proper sanitization, treating it as valid user data. When other users navigate to the Filters page, the stored JavaScript code executes within their browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and represents a classic case of stored XSS where the malicious payload is permanently stored on the server rather than being reflected in a single request. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that ZoneMinder is commonly used for security monitoring, making it a valuable target for attackers seeking to compromise surveillance systems.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on ZoneMinder for security surveillance and monitoring. Attackers could exploit this flaw to gain unauthorized access to the surveillance system, potentially manipulating camera settings, accessing recorded footage, or even creating backdoors within the network. The persistent nature of stored XSS means that the malicious code remains active until manually removed from the database, allowing attackers to maintain long-term access to compromised systems. The vulnerability affects any user with access to the Filters page, including administrators, making it particularly dangerous for organizations where multiple personnel have administrative privileges. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the victim's browser environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-13072 should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application. Organizations must ensure that all user-supplied data is properly sanitized before storage, utilizing libraries and frameworks that automatically escape special characters and validate input against strict whitelists. The recommended approach includes implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution, employing proper HTML encoding for all dynamic content, and conducting regular security audits of input handling mechanisms. Additionally, administrators should immediately upgrade to ZoneMinder version 1.32.4 or later, which contains patches addressing this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be implemented to detect unusual activities that might indicate exploitation attempts, while user access controls should be reviewed to limit who can modify filter configurations. The vulnerability also underscores the importance of regular security updates and maintaining awareness of emerging threats in open-source security applications, as highlighted by the NIST National Vulnerability Database and various cybersecurity frameworks emphasizing the need for continuous vulnerability management and remediation processes.