QTS: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
CVE-2024-50403 is a high-severity use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability in QTS from QNAP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. The record lists version 5.2.2.2950 build 20241114 as the first without the flaw, so updating QTS to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.48% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update QTS to 5.2.2.2950 build 20241114 or a later version.
- Update QuTS hero to h5.2.2.2952 build 20241116 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on qnap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| QNAP | QTS | 5.2.x up to, but not including, 5.2.2.2950 build 20241114 | 5.2.2.2950 build 20241114 |
| QNAP | QuTS hero | h5.2.x up to, but not including, h5.2.2.2952 build 20241116 | h5.2.2.2952 build 20241116 |
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
- 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:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 4.0 | 2.1 | Low | CNA (qnapsecurity.com.tw) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
Official description
A use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers who have gained administrator access to obtain secret data or modify memory. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.2.2.2950 build 20241114 and later QuTS hero h5.2.2.2952 build 20241116 and later
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Use of Externally-Controlled Format String
The product uses a function that accepts a format string as an argument, but the format string originates from an external source.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Choose a language that is not subject to this flaw.
- Ensure that all format string functions are passed a static string which cannot be controlled by the user, and that the proper number of arguments are always sent to that function as well. If at all possible, use functions that do not support the %n operator in format strings.
- Run compilers and linkers with high warning levels, since they may detect incorrect usage.
More Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities (CWE-134)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: partial).
- 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 Use of Externally-Controlled Format String vulnerabilities
- 7.2 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.2 High severity
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