CVE-2017-7629 in QTS
Summary
by MITRE
QNAP QTS before 4.2.6 build 20170517 has a flaw in the change password function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7629 affects QNAP QTS operating systems prior to version 4.2.6 build 20170517, specifically targeting the password change functionality within the system. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that could potentially allow unauthorized users to exploit the device's authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability resides in how the system handles password modification requests, creating an avenue for attackers to manipulate or bypass the normal authentication flow. QNAP devices are widely deployed in enterprise and home environments for network-attached storage solutions, making this vulnerability particularly concerning given the sensitive data typically stored on these systems. The affected QTS versions were commonly used in various QNAP NAS models, including but not limited to the TS-251, TS-451, and TS-651 series, which are popular for their robust storage capabilities and network accessibility features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authentication handling within the password change component of the QNAP QTS system. When users attempt to change their passwords through the web interface or API endpoints, the system fails to properly validate the current password before allowing the modification process to proceed. This weakness creates a potential privilege escalation scenario where an attacker who has gained partial access to a system could exploit this flaw to change administrative passwords without proper authorization. The vulnerability could be leveraged through various attack vectors including web-based exploitation, API manipulation, or even through compromised user accounts that have access to the password change functionality. The flaw essentially allows for a bypass of the standard authentication checks that should normally be enforced before password modifications are permitted. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and more specifically with CWE-306 which covers missing authentication for critical functions. The vulnerability's nature suggests it could be categorized under the ATT&CK framework as a credential access technique, specifically falling under T1110.001 which deals with password guessing and T1078 which addresses valid accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password manipulation, potentially allowing attackers to gain complete administrative control over affected QNAP devices. Once an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they could access all stored data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in unauthorized data access, data exfiltration, or even complete system compromise, making it a high-severity issue for organizations relying on QNAP NAS solutions. Organizations with multiple QNAP devices could face widespread compromise if the vulnerability is not addressed promptly, particularly in environments where these devices are used for critical data storage or as network infrastructure components. The risk is amplified by the fact that many QNAP devices are configured to be accessible from external networks, exposing them to broader attack surfaces. This vulnerability could also impact compliance with various regulatory frameworks such as gdpr, hipaa, and pci dss due to the potential for unauthorized data access and the failure to maintain proper authentication controls.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate deployment of the patched QTS version 4.2.6 build 20170517 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the password change function. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to QNAP devices, disable unnecessary remote access features, and ensure that all administrative accounts have strong, unique passwords. Regular security audits and monitoring should be conducted to detect any signs of exploitation attempts. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as two-factor authentication where available, and establish robust access control policies that limit who can perform password changes or access administrative functions. The vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and security patches, as well as the need for comprehensive security testing of authentication mechanisms. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious authentication attempts and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored to handle potential QNAP device compromises. The fix addresses the root cause by properly implementing input validation and ensuring that the current password verification occurs before any password modification is permitted, thereby preventing unauthorized access to the system's administrative functions.