CVE-2017-5595 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability in ZoneMinder versions 1.x through v1.30.0 allows an authenticated attacker to read local system files by exploiting unfiltered user-input in the file.php file.

Understanding CVE-2017-5595

This CVE involves a file disclosure and inclusion vulnerability in ZoneMinder.

What is CVE-2017-5595?

The vulnerability in ZoneMinder versions 1.x through v1.30.0 allows an authenticated attacker to read local system files, such as /etc/passwd, by exploiting unfiltered user-input.

The Impact of CVE-2017-5595

The attack can be conducted by including a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter of a specific request, leading to the disclosure of sensitive information within the context of the web server user (www-data).

Technical Details of CVE-2017-5595

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists in the file.php file in the web/views directory of ZoneMinder due to unfiltered user-input passed to the readfile() function.

Affected Systems and Versions

ZoneMinder versions 1.x through v1.30.0

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated attacker can exploit the vulnerability by including a .. (dot dot) in the path parameter of a specific request.
The attack occurs within the context of the web server user (www-data).

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-5595 is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by ZoneMinder promptly.
Implement strict input validation to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply them as soon as they are released to prevent exploitation.