CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2020-2509Exploited in the wildNVD status: Analyzed

QNAP Network-Attached Storage (NAS) Command Injection

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2020-2509 is a critical-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in QTS from QNAP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists versions 4.5.2.1566 Build 20210202, 4.5.1.1495 Build 20201123, 4.3.6.1620 Build 20210322 as the first without the flaw, so updating QTS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on April 11, 2022, which means attacks have been observed in the wild.

Patch now

Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.

What to do

  1. Update QTS to 4.5.2.1566 Build 20210202 or 4.5.1.1495 Build 20201123 or 4.3.6.1620 Build 20210322 or 4.3.4.1632 Build 20210324, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update QuTS hero to h4.5.1.1491 build 20201119 or a later version.
  3. CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
  4. Read the advisory on qnap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
QNAPQTSbefore 4.5.2.1566 Build 20210202; before 4.5.1.1495 Build 20201123; before 4.3.6.1620 Build 20210322; before 4.3.4.1632 Build 20210324; before 4.3.3.1624 Build 20210416; before 4.2.6 Build 202103274.5.2.1566 Build 20210202, 4.5.1.1495 Build 20201123, 4.3.6.1620 Build 20210322, 4.3.4.1632 Build 20210324, 4.3.3.1624 Build 20210416, 4.2.6 Build 20210327
QNAPQuTS herobefore h4.5.1.1491 build 20201119h4.5.1.1491 build 20201119

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
NoneNo action by a victim is required.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalNVD
CVSS 3.19.8CriticalCISA (ADP)
CVSS 2.07.5HighNVD

Official description

A command injection vulnerability has been reported to affect QTS and QuTS hero. If exploited, this vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands in a compromised application. We have already fixed this vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 4.5.2.1566 Build 20210202 and later QTS 4.5.1.1495 Build 20201123 and later QTS 4.3.6.1620 Build 20210322 and later QTS 4.3.4.1632 Build 20210324 and later QTS 4.3.3.1624 Build 20210416 and later QTS 4.2.6 Build 20210327 and later QuTS hero h4.5.1.1491 build 20201119 and later

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

The product constructs all or part of a command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended command when it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • If possible, ensure that all external commands called from the program are statically created.
  • Run time: Run time policy enforcement may be used in an allowlist fashion to prevent use of any non-sanctioned commands.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities (CWE-77)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
  3. Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
  4. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
  5. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Third-party and government advisories

Other vulnerabilities in QTS

All QTS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command vulnerabilities

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