CVE-2019-7340 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE
POST - Cross Site Scripting (XSS) exists in ZoneMinder through 1.32.3, allowing an attacker to execute HTML or JavaScript code via a vulnerable 'filter[Query][terms][0][val]' parameter value in the view filter (filter.php) because proper filtration is omitted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-7340 represents a critical cross site scripting flaw within ZoneMinder version 1.32.3 and earlier, exposing the system to persistent security risks through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the filter functionality within the application's web interface, where user-supplied data is not adequately sanitized before being processed and rendered back to the browser. The flaw resides in the 'filter[Query][terms][0][val]' parameter within the filter.php file, which serves as a critical entry point for malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary HTML or JavaScript code within the context of authenticated user sessions. The vulnerability stems from the absence of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms that should normally prevent malicious payloads from being executed within the application's user interface.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a POST request that targets the filter.php endpoint, where the attacker can manipulate the vulnerable parameter to inject malicious scripts that will execute in the browser of any user who views the affected filter results. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross Site Scripting in software applications, and demonstrates how insufficient sanitization of user inputs can lead to complete session hijacking and unauthorized access to sensitive system information. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no elevated privileges beyond normal user access, making it accessible to any authenticated user who can manipulate the filter parameters. The vulnerability represents a classic case of client-side code execution where the application fails to properly escape or validate user-supplied data before rendering it in the web interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2019-7340 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform session hijacking, steal authentication tokens, redirect users to malicious websites, or even execute more sophisticated attacks such as credential harvesting. In a surveillance context like ZoneMinder, where the system typically manages sensitive video feeds and access controls, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to gain unauthorized access to security footage, manipulate system configurations, or establish persistent backdoors within the network. The vulnerability's persistence is particularly dangerous because the malicious code will execute every time the affected filter is viewed, potentially affecting multiple users over extended periods. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007, which covers Scripting through the execution of malicious scripts within the web application environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms throughout the application's filter processing logic. The recommended approach involves sanitizing all user-supplied inputs using established security libraries that can properly escape HTML and JavaScript characters before rendering any user-provided data in the web interface. Organizations should implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to further limit script execution capabilities and prevent unauthorized code injection. Additionally, regular security audits and input validation testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other parts of the application. The most effective long-term solution requires implementing a comprehensive secure coding framework that enforces proper input validation and output encoding across all user-facing application components, particularly those handling dynamic data processing and display functions.