CyberSecBulletin
CVE-2025-22481NVD status: Analyzed

QTS: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command

Published Updated By the CyberSecBulletin desk

CVE-2025-22481 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in a command vulnerability in QTS from QNAP, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 5.2.4.3079 build 20250321 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 1.02% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 64% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update QTS to 5.2.4.3079 build 20250321 or a later version.
  2. Update QuTS hero to h5.2.4.3079 build 20250321 or a later version.
  3. Read the advisory on qnap.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
QNAPQTS5.2.x up to, but not including, 5.2.4.3079 build 202503215.2.4.3079 build 20250321
QNAPQuTS heroh5.2.x up to, but not including, h5.2.4.3079 build 20250321h5.2.4.3079 build 20250321

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
LowA basic user account is enough.
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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 4.08.7HighCNA (qnapsecurity.com.tw)
CVSS 3.18.8HighNVD

Official description

A command injection vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers who have gained user access to execute arbitrary commands. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.2.4.3079 build 20250321 and later QuTS hero h5.2.4.3079 build 20250321 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. 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 a Command vulnerabilities

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