CVE-2015-7262 in Signage Station
Summary
by MITRE
QNAP iArtist Lite before 1.4.54, as distributed with QNAP Signage Station before 2.0.1, allows remote authenticated users to gain privileges by registering an executable file, and then waiting for this file to be run in a privileged context after a reboot.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-7262 represents a privilege escalation flaw within the QNAP iArtist Lite component that was distributed with QNAP Signage Station software versions prior to 2.0.1. This issue affects QNAP iArtist Lite versions before 1.4.54 and creates a dangerous condition where authenticated users can manipulate the system's privilege structure through a carefully crafted file registration process. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and privilege management within the software's file handling mechanisms, allowing malicious actors with legitimate authentication credentials to escalate their access rights.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence of actions that leverage the software's trust model and execution flow. An authenticated user can register an executable file through the legitimate application interface, which then gets stored within the system's file structure. This registration process does not properly validate the file type or enforce appropriate security controls that would normally prevent arbitrary executable files from being introduced into privileged execution paths. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authentication access, meaning that any user who can log into the system with valid credentials can potentially exploit this flaw, regardless of their initial privilege level.
The operational impact of this privilege escalation vulnerability is significant and multifaceted. Once successfully exploited, the attacker gains elevated system privileges that allow them to execute arbitrary code with administrative rights, effectively compromising the entire system. The requirement for a reboot to trigger the execution of the malicious file adds a layer of persistence to the attack, as the malicious code becomes embedded in the system's normal boot process. This creates a persistent backdoor that can survive system restarts and provides attackers with long-term access to the compromised environment. The vulnerability affects QNAP Signage Station deployments where the iArtist Lite component is used for content management and display operations, potentially impacting digital signage networks in corporate, retail, or public environments.
Security professionals should note that this vulnerability aligns with CWE-749, which describes the exposure of a function with dangerous capabilities, and represents a classic case of privilege escalation through insecure file handling. The attack pattern follows elements of the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation techniques and persistence mechanisms. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to QNAP Signage Station version 2.0.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit the potential impact of authenticated user access. Regular security assessments of embedded systems and digital signage networks are essential to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of the infrastructure. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in all system components, particularly those that handle file operations and user-supplied content.