QTS: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command
CVE-2023-45025 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 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128, 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 1.13% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 67% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update QTS to 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 or 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update QuTS hero to h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 or h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Update QuTScloud to c5.1.5.2651 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on qnap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| QNAP | QTS | 5.1.x up to, but not including, 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128; 4.5.x up to, but not including, 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 | 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128, 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 |
| QNAP | QuTS hero | h5.1.x up to, but not including, h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128; h4.5.x up to, but not including, h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225 | h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128, h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225 |
| QNAP | QuTScloud | c5.x.x up to, but not including, c5.1.5.2651 | c5.1.5.2651 |
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 system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.0 | Critical | CNA (qnapsecurity.com.tw) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
An OS command injection vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow users to execute commands via a network. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later QTS 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 and later QuTS hero h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later QuTS hero h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225 and later QuTScloud c5.1.5.2651 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
- 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 a Command vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.