CVE-2019-6777 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in ZoneMinder v1.32.3. Reflected XSS exists in web/skins/classic/views/plugin.php via the zm/index.php?view=plugin pl parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6777 represents a reflected cross-site scripting flaw within ZoneMinder version 1.32.3, specifically affecting the web interface component responsible for plugin management. This security weakness resides in the plugin.php file within the classic skin views directory, where user-supplied input is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to the browser. The vulnerability manifests through the zm/index.php?view=plugin URL parameter, which allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code that executes in the context of other users' browsers who view the affected page.
The technical implementation of this flaw stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding practices within the ZoneMinder web application framework. When the application processes the pl parameter without proper sanitization, it directly incorporates user-provided data into the HTTP response without appropriate escaping or encoding mechanisms. This creates an environment where attackers can craft malicious URLs containing JavaScript payloads that get executed when legitimate users navigate to the affected page. The reflected nature of this vulnerability means that the malicious script is reflected off the web server rather than being stored on the server, making it particularly challenging to detect and mitigate.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on ZoneMinder for video surveillance and security monitoring. An attacker who successfully exploits this XSS vulnerability could potentially steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious websites, or execute arbitrary commands within the browser context of authenticated users. The attack requires social engineering to convince victims to click on crafted links, but once executed, it could lead to complete compromise of the surveillance system's administrative interface. This would allow unauthorized individuals to access live video feeds, modify system configurations, add or remove cameras, and potentially escalate privileges within the ZoneMinder environment. The vulnerability affects the classic skin interface specifically, though similar issues may exist in other user interface components of the application.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the ZoneMinder application. The primary fix involves sanitizing all user-supplied input parameters, particularly those used in URL query strings, before they are processed or rendered in web responses. This approach aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities through proper input validation and output encoding. Organizations should also implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and restrict external resource loading. Regular security updates and patch management processes are essential for maintaining protection against similar vulnerabilities, as this issue was resolved in subsequent versions of ZoneMinder. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and monitoring for suspicious URL patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling sensitive security data such as surveillance systems. This flaw serves as a reminder of the necessity for continuous security assessment and the implementation of defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical infrastructure components.