CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2024-27124NVD status: Analyzed

QTS: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command

CVE-2024-27124 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 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 5.1.3.2578 build 20231110, 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 1.44% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 74% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update QTS to 5.1.3.2578 build 20231110 or 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  2. Update QuTS hero to h5.1.3.2578 build 20231110 or h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
  3. Update QuTScloud to c5.1.5.2651 or a later version.
  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.
  6. 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

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
QNAPQTS5.1.x up to, but not including, 5.1.3.2578 build 20231110; 4.5.x up to, but not including, 4.5.4.2627 build 202312255.1.3.2578 build 20231110, 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225
QNAPQuTS heroh5.1.x up to, but not including, h5.1.3.2578 build 20231110; h4.5.x up to, but not including, h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225h5.1.3.2578 build 20231110, h4.5.4.2626 build 20231225
QNAPQuTScloudc5.x.x up to, but not including, c5.1.5.2651c5.1.5.2651

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
HighSuccess depends on conditions outside the attacker's control.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
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:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (qnapsecurity.com.tw).

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 5.1.3.2578 build 20231110 and later QTS 4.5.4.2627 build 20231225 and later QuTS hero h5.1.3.2578 build 20231110 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 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

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Other vulnerabilities in QTS

All QTS vulnerabilities

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities

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