CVE-2023-26038 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-26038 relates to a Local File Inclusion vulnerability found in ZoneMinder software via

web/ajax/modal.php

.

Understanding CVE-2023-26038

This vulnerability affects ZoneMinder, a free, open-source Closed-circuit television software application for Linux. It exposes versions prior to 1.36.33 and 1.37.33 to potential exploitation through the manipulation of file paths.

What is CVE-2023-26038?

The CVE-2023-26038 vulnerability in ZoneMinder allows attackers to include arbitrary PHP file paths in the request, leading to unauthorized access and potential code execution. This issue poses a significant security risk to systems running affected versions of the software.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26038

The impact of CVE-2023-26038 is rated as medium severity with a CVSS base score of 5.4. While the attack complexity is low, the confidentiality and integrity impacts are both rated as low. This vulnerability does not require high privileges or user interaction to be exploited.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26038

The following technical details describe the vulnerability in more depth:

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-26038 vulnerability in ZoneMinder arises from a Local File Inclusion (Untrusted Search Path) issue via the

web/ajax/modal.php

file, allowing attackers to pass arbitrary PHP file paths in the request.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts ZoneMinder versions earlier than 1.36.33 and 1.37.33. Specifically, versions "< 1.36.33" and ">= 1.37.0, < 1.37.33" are confirmed to be affected by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2023-26038 by leveraging the Local File Inclusion vulnerability in ZoneMinder to manipulate file paths via the

web/ajax/modal.php

file, potentially leading to unauthorized access and code execution.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-26038 and enhance the security of ZoneMinder installations, the following mitigation and prevention steps are recommended:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade: Update ZoneMinder to version 1.36.33 or 1.37.33, which contain patches to address the Local File Inclusion vulnerability.
Access Restrictions: Limit access to vulnerable components to authorized personnel only to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Security Audits: Conduct routine security audits and assessments to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities in software applications.
User Training: Educate users on secure coding practices and the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by ZoneMinder to address known vulnerabilities and ensure the timely application of these fixes to protect against potential threats.