CVE-2016-6554 in DS107
Summary
by MITRE
Synology NAS servers DS107, firmware version 3.1-1639 and prior, and DS116, DS213, firmware versions prior to 5.2-5644-1, use non-random default credentials of: guest:(blank) and admin:(blank) . A remote network attacker can gain privileged access to a vulnerable device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/27/2024
This vulnerability affects Synology Network Attached Storage devices including the DS107 and DS116 models with specific firmware versions that contain hardcoded default credentials. The flaw represents a critical security weakness where devices ship with predictable authentication credentials that remain unchanged unless manually modified by administrators. The default accounts use empty passwords for both guest and admin users, creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software systems. The exposure occurs at the authentication layer where the system fails to enforce proper credential management practices during device provisioning.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to establish privileged access to affected Synology NAS devices without requiring any specialized tools or complex exploitation techniques. Attackers can simply connect to the device using the known default credentials and gain administrative control over the system. This remote access capability enables full system compromise including data exfiltration, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within network environments. The vulnerability exists because Synology did not implement proper credential randomization or enforcement mechanisms during the device manufacturing and deployment processes. This weakness aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through the use of default credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond individual device compromise to potentially affect entire network infrastructures where Synology NAS devices serve as storage repositories for critical business data. Organizations with unpatched devices become vulnerable to unauthorized data access, system manipulation, and potential ransomware attacks. The default blank credentials provide attackers with immediate administrative privileges, allowing them to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive information. Network administrators who fail to change default credentials after device deployment create persistent security risks that can be exploited by threat actors with minimal effort. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper initial security configuration and the dangers of relying on default settings for networked devices. Organizations should implement mandatory credential change policies and regular security audits to prevent exploitation of such hardcoded authentication mechanisms.
The remediation approach requires immediate action from affected organizations to update firmware versions that contain proper credential management and to enforce mandatory credential changes during device setup. Synology has released firmware updates addressing this vulnerability, and system administrators should upgrade to versions 5.2-5644-1 or later for DS116 models and appropriate versions for DS107. Additionally, organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to NAS devices and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments should verify that default credentials have been changed and that access controls are properly configured. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the fundamental security principle that default settings should never be left in place without explicit administrative action, particularly for critical infrastructure components like network attached storage systems that often contain sensitive organizational data.