CVE-2015-6911 in Video Station
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in Synology Video Station before 1.5-0763 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the id parameter to watchstatus.cgi.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/07/2024
The CVE-2015-6911 vulnerability represents a critical sql injection flaw in Synology Video Station software prior to version 1.5-0763. This vulnerability specifically affects the watchstatus.cgi script which handles video playback status updates within the Synology Surveillance Station and Video Station applications. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation of the id parameter, which is used to track video playback status information. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious sql commands in the id parameter, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the underlying database system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows remote code execution without requiring authentication, making it accessible to any internet-facing system. This flaw enables attackers to manipulate database queries, potentially leading to data theft, unauthorized access to user accounts, or complete system compromise.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper parameter sanitization within the watchstatus.cgi script. When the id parameter is processed, the application fails to properly escape or validate user input before incorporating it into sql queries. This creates a classic sql injection vector where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as sql commands rather than simple data values. The vulnerability maps to CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection weaknesses in software applications. The attack surface is expanded due to the remote nature of the vulnerability, as the watchstatus.cgi endpoint is typically exposed through standard web interfaces used for video management. The exploitation process involves sending crafted http requests containing malicious sql payloads that bypass normal input validation checks, allowing the attacker to execute arbitrary database commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive video surveillance data. Organizations using affected Synology Video Station versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their video surveillance systems, potentially exposing private security footage and compromising the integrity of their security infrastructure. The vulnerability particularly affects businesses and organizations that rely on Synology surveillance solutions for security monitoring, as attackers could potentially manipulate video playback records, delete surveillance data, or extract user credentials stored in the database. This vulnerability also poses risks to network infrastructure, as compromised video station systems could serve as entry points for further lateral movement within corporate networks. The remote execution capability means that attackers can exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access to the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-6911 primarily focus on immediate software updates and input validation improvements. Organizations must upgrade to Synology Video Station version 1.5-0763 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and parameter validation for the watchstatus.cgi endpoint. Network administrators should implement additional protective measures including web application firewalls to monitor and filter sql injection attempts, and restrict access to the affected endpoints through network segmentation. The vulnerability highlights the importance of input validation practices and proper sql query construction using parameterized queries or prepared statements, which are recommended best practices in the OWASP top ten security risks. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual sql query patterns and unauthorized access attempts to surveillance systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar sql injection vulnerabilities in other applications and systems. The remediation process should also involve comprehensive security audits of all web applications to ensure proper input validation and sanitization practices are implemented throughout the entire system architecture.