CVE-2017-16772 in Photo Station
Summary
by MITRE
Improper input validation vulnerability in SYNOPHOTO_Flickr_MultiUpload in Synology Photo Station before 6.8.3-3463 and before 6.3-2971 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary codes via the prog_id parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/22/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2017-16772 represents a critical improper input validation flaw within Synology Photo Station's SYNOPHOTO_Flickr_MultiUpload component. This issue affects versions prior to 6.8.3-3463 and 6.3-2971, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on Synology's photo management solutions. The vulnerability specifically resides in how the system handles the prog_id parameter, which is processed during multi-upload operations to Flickr services. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input through the prog_id parameter, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system. The flaw stems from inadequate sanitization and validation of user-supplied input, allowing malicious payloads to bypass security controls and execute within the context of the Photo Station application. This type of vulnerability is classified under CWE-20, which encompasses improper input validation issues that can lead to various security consequences including code execution, data manipulation, and privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables authenticated attackers to gain unauthorized control over the affected Synology device. Once exploited, the malicious code can potentially access sensitive user data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The authenticated nature of the attack means that adversaries must first obtain valid credentials, but this requirement does not significantly mitigate the risk since many organizations store user credentials in accessible locations or may experience credential compromise through various attack vectors. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system compromise, making it particularly dangerous for enterprises that rely on Synology devices for critical photo storage and sharing operations. Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter usage, as the arbitrary code execution capability allows attackers to deploy various payloads and maintain persistence.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including updating to the patched versions of Synology Photo Station, specifically versions 6.8.3-3463 and 6.3-2971. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be enforced to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and monitoring of system logs should be conducted to detect any suspicious activities related to Photo Station operations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameter sanitization in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content or external service integrations. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide additional layers of protection against similar vulnerabilities. The incident highlights the need for comprehensive security testing including input validation checks and code review processes to identify potential injection flaws before they can be exploited by malicious actors in the wild.