CVE-2023-41884 in ZoneMinder
Summary
by MITRE • 08/12/2024
ZoneMinder is a free, open source Closed-circuit television software application. In WWW/AJAX/watch.php, Line: 51 takes a few parameter in sql query without sanitizing it which makes it vulnerable to sql injection. This vulnerability is fixed in 1.36.34.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-41884 affects ZoneMinder, a widely-used open-source closed-circuit television software application that provides video surveillance capabilities for security monitoring systems. This critical security flaw exists within the web interface component of the application, specifically in the WWW/AJAX/watch.php file at line 51, where the software fails to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into SQL queries. The absence of input validation and sanitization creates a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through carefully crafted inputs that can be passed to the vulnerable endpoint. This vulnerability represents a classic SQL injection flaw that can be exploited by attackers to gain unauthorized access to the underlying database system that stores surveillance data, configuration settings, and user credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter handling within the web application's database interaction layer. When users interact with the watch.php interface, typically used for viewing live or recorded surveillance footage, the application accepts various parameters that should be validated before being processed in SQL statements. Without proper sanitization mechanisms, attackers can inject malicious SQL code through these parameters, potentially enabling them to execute arbitrary database commands. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows for complete database compromise, enabling attackers to read, modify, or delete sensitive information stored within the ZoneMinder system. This includes surveillance footage metadata, user account details, system configuration parameters, and potentially other sensitive data that the application manages.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-41884 extends beyond simple data theft, as it can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized surveillance access. Organizations relying on ZoneMinder for security monitoring face significant risks including unauthorized access to surveillance footage, potential modification of security configurations, and complete database manipulation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to hide malicious activities by deleting surveillance records, alter access controls, or extract sensitive information about the monitored environment. The vulnerability affects systems where ZoneMinder is deployed for security monitoring, which includes residential, commercial, and industrial facilities that depend on video surveillance for security purposes. This represents a serious concern for organizations that have entrusted ZoneMinder with protecting their physical security infrastructure, as the compromise of this system could expose their security monitoring capabilities to unauthorized parties.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws in software applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploitation of remote services through SQL injection attacks. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices that violate fundamental security principles for web application development, particularly in database interaction components. Organizations should immediately implement the patch released in ZoneMinder version 1.36.34, which addresses the specific sanitization issues in the watch.php file. Additionally, system administrators should conduct thorough security assessments of their ZoneMinder deployments, review access controls, and monitor for any suspicious database activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, especially those handling sensitive security data and surveillance information.