CVE-2017-7632 in QTS
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in File Station of QNAP QTS 4.2.6 build 20171026, QTS 4.3.3 build 20170727 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7632 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the File Station component of QNAP QTS operating systems. This issue affects multiple versions including QTS 4.2.6 build 20171026 and QTS 4.3.3 build 20170727 and earlier releases, exposing users to significant security risks through remote code execution capabilities. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the File Station web interface, which fails to properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages.
The technical nature of this flaw falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious web scripts or HTML content through improperly validated user inputs within the File Station interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially formatted filenames, directory names, or other user-controllable inputs that get reflected back to users without proper sanitization. This creates an environment where malicious scripts can execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the QNAP system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the network infrastructure. When exploited successfully, the XSS vulnerability enables attackers to establish persistent access to the QNAP system through the manipulation of user sessions and browser contexts. This threat vector particularly concerns enterprise environments where QNAP devices serve as storage solutions and may contain sensitive corporate data. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 which covers scripting through web shells and malicious script injection, making it a valuable entry point for attackers seeking to maintain long-term access.
Organizations utilizing affected QNAP QTS versions face substantial risk exposure from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where users have administrative access to the File Station component. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require physical access to the device, making it accessible to attackers anywhere on the internet. Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of affected systems to the latest QNAP firmware releases that address the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the File Station interface to trusted users only, while implementing proper input validation and output encoding measures throughout the web application stack.
The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper web application security practices, particularly in enterprise storage solutions where user-controllable inputs must be rigorously validated. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their QNAP deployments to identify similar vulnerabilities and implement robust security controls including regular firmware updates, web application firewalls, and continuous monitoring for suspicious activities. The attack surface presented by this vulnerability also underscores the necessity of following security best practices such as input sanitization, output encoding, and proper content security policies to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components of the QNAP ecosystem.