QTS: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command
CVE-2023-34980 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability in QTS from QNAP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.4 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225, 4.5.4.2627_build 20231225 as the first without the flaw, so updating QTS to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.88% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 60% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update QTS to 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 or 4.5.4.2627_build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update QuTS hero to h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225 or h4.5.4.2626_build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Read the advisory on qnap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| QNAP | QTS | 4.5.x up to, but not including, 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225; 4.5.0 up to, but not including, 4.5.4.2627_build 20231225 | 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225, 4.5.4.2627_build 20231225 |
| QNAP | QuTS hero | h4.5.x up to, but not including, h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225; h4.5 up to, but not including, h4.5.4.2626_build 20231225 | h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225, h4.5.4.2626_build 20231225 |
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
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:H/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 5.9 | Medium | CNA (qnapsecurity.com.tw) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.4 | High | NVD |
Official description
An OS command injection vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow authenticated administrators to execute commands via a network. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 and later QuTS hero h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225 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 an OS Command
The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command before 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.
- For any data that will be used to generate a command to be executed, keep as much of that data out of external control as possible. For example, in web applications, this may require storing the data locally in the session's state instead of sending it out to the client in a hidden form field.
- For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.
More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities (CWE-78)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
Other vulnerabilities in QTS
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities
- 9.4 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.3 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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