CVE-2022-39285 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE • 10/08/2022
ZoneMinder is a free, open source Closed-circuit television software application The file parameter is vulnerable to a cross site scripting vulnerability (XSS) by backing out of the current "tr" "td" brackets. This then allows a malicious user to provide code that will execute when a user views the specific log on the "view=log" page. This vulnerability allows an attacker to store code within the logs that will be executed when loaded by a legitimate user. These actions will be performed with the permission of the victim. This could lead to data loss and/or further exploitation including account takeover. This issue has been addressed in versions `1.36.27` and `1.37.24`. Users are advised to upgrade. Users unable to upgrade should disable database logging.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/29/2025
CVE-2022-39285 represents a cross site scripting vulnerability within ZoneMinder, a widely used open source closed-circuit television software application that serves as a critical component in security monitoring systems. This vulnerability specifically resides in the handling of the file parameter within the application's logging functionality, creating a persistent XSS attack vector that operates through the manipulation of HTML table elements. The flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into log entries by exploiting the improper sanitization of user-supplied data when processing table row and cell elements, specifically targeting the tr and td HTML brackets that form the structural foundation of the log display interface. The vulnerability operates by enabling attackers to store malicious code within the application's log files, which then executes automatically when legitimate users access the view=log page, creating a server-side code injection scenario that leverages the application's own rendering mechanisms against its users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a pattern consistent with persistent XSS attacks as defined by CWE-89 and classified under the broader category of CWE-79, where the malicious input is stored in the application's database or file system and subsequently executed in the context of other users' browsers. The attack chain begins with an authenticated user or attacker injecting malicious JavaScript code into the logging system through the vulnerable file parameter, which then gets rendered in the log viewer interface without proper output encoding or sanitization. This creates a scenario where any user who accesses the affected log page becomes a victim of the stored XSS attack, as the malicious code executes within their browser context with the privileges of the victim user. The vulnerability's persistence stems from the fact that the injected code is stored in the database logs and remains active until manually removed or the application is upgraded to a patched version.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-39285 extends beyond simple script execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform account takeover operations and access sensitive system information through the established attack vector. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to data loss, unauthorized access to security monitoring systems, and potential lateral movement within network environments where ZoneMinder is deployed. This risk is particularly concerning given that ZoneMinder applications often operate in security-critical environments where unauthorized access to surveillance footage and system controls could compromise physical security measures. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that it operates at the application level and requires minimal privileges to exploit, as it leverages existing legitimate user sessions and permissions. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can use this vector to deliver malicious payloads that can capture session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or execute further exploitation techniques. The attack surface is particularly broad given that ZoneMinder is commonly used in enterprise environments, government facilities, and critical infrastructure sectors where the compromise of surveillance systems could have significant operational and security implications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-39285 should prioritize immediate application upgrades to versions 1.36.27 or 1.37.24, which contain the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability through proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations unable to perform immediate upgrades should implement the recommended workaround of disabling database logging to prevent the storage of potentially malicious content, though this approach reduces the application's monitoring capabilities. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious input patterns, conducting regular security assessments of the application's input validation mechanisms, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect anomalous log entries that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's remediation aligns with industry best practices for XSS prevention as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines, emphasizing the importance of proper input sanitization, output encoding, and defense-in-depth strategies. Security teams should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for the application's database access, regular security training for administrators, and comprehensive incident response procedures that account for potential compromise of surveillance systems through this type of vulnerability.