CVE-2016-10323 in Photo Station
Summary
by MITRE
Synology Photo Station before 6.3-2958 allows local users to gain privileges by leveraging setuid execution of a "synophoto_dsm_user --copy-no-ea" command.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-10323 affects Synology Photo Station versions prior to 6.3-2958 and represents a critical local privilege escalation flaw that exploits improper privilege management within the application's execution model. This vulnerability specifically targets the setuid execution mechanism of a command named "synophoto_dsm_user --copy-no-ea" which operates with elevated privileges, creating a path for local attackers to execute arbitrary code with system-level permissions. The flaw resides in the application's design where a setuid binary is improperly configured to handle user input without adequate sanitization or privilege separation, allowing malicious actors to manipulate the execution flow and elevate their access level from regular user to root or system administrator.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from a fundamental flaw in how the Synology Photo Station application manages privileged operations. When the "synophoto_dsm_user --copy-no-ea" command executes with setuid permissions, it creates an attack surface where user-controlled parameters can influence the command's behavior. This creates a path for privilege escalation attacks as described in the CWE-276 Common Weakness Enumeration category, which specifically addresses improper privilege management in software systems. The vulnerability manifests when local users can manipulate the execution environment or input parameters to the setuid command, effectively bypassing normal access controls and gaining unauthorized system-level privileges.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-10323 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected system. Once successfully exploited, local users can execute arbitrary commands with root privileges, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or persistence mechanisms. This vulnerability aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the Privilege Escalation tactic, specifically targeting the technique of "Setuid and Setgid" where attackers leverage programs with elevated privileges to gain unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe in network-attached storage (NAS) environments where Synology Photo Station is commonly deployed, as these systems often contain sensitive personal and business data, making them attractive targets for adversaries seeking persistent access to organizational networks.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2016-10323 requires immediate patching of the Synology Photo Station application to version 6.3-2958 or later, which addresses the improper setuid execution handling. Organizations should also implement privilege separation techniques and review all setuid binaries within their systems to ensure proper input validation and privilege management. Security administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of system binaries and applications that utilize setuid permissions, applying the principle of least privilege to reduce potential attack surfaces. Additionally, monitoring for unauthorized execution of setuid binaries and implementing proper logging of privilege escalation attempts can help detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper privilege management in system security and aligns with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 controls for privilege management and access control, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and timely patch management to prevent exploitation of such fundamental flaws in system design.