CVE-2017-7634 in NAS Application Media Streaming Add-On
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in QNAP NAS application Media Streaming add-on version 421.1.0.2, 430.1.2.0, and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML. The injected code will only be triggered by a crafted link, not the normal page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7634 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the QNAP NAS application Media Streaming add-on, affecting versions 421.1.0.2 and 430.1.2.0 and earlier releases. This vulnerability resides in the web interface component of the media streaming functionality, which processes user input through URL parameters and other web-based interfaces. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of a victim's browser session, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on QNAP network-attached storage systems for media distribution and streaming services. The vulnerability specifically impacts the add-on's handling of user-supplied input without proper sanitization or validation mechanisms, making it susceptible to injection attacks that can compromise user sessions and potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on the NAS device.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within the Media Streaming add-on's web interface components. Attackers can craft malicious URLs containing script payloads that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, execute within the victim's browser context. The vulnerability requires a crafted link rather than direct interaction with the normal web page interface, indicating that the attack vector operates through phishing or social engineering techniques where users are tricked into clicking maliciously constructed URLs. This behavior aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into web pages without proper validation or encoding. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it targets the media streaming functionality that is often exposed to external networks, making it accessible to remote attackers who can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code within the browser context of authenticated users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, modify user data, or redirect users to malicious websites. Organizations using affected QNAP NAS systems may experience unauthorized access to media libraries, user credentials, or other sensitive data stored on the network-attached storage devices. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without requiring authentication makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where NAS devices often serve as central media repositories accessible both internally and externally. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain persistence within network environments, potentially using it as a stepping stone for further attacks against other network resources. The impact is compounded by the fact that many organizations may not regularly monitor or update their QNAP NAS systems, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation for extended periods. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering tactics, as the attack requires user interaction through crafted links, making it particularly effective in phishing campaigns targeting network administrators or end users who access media streaming services through the affected NAS systems.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2017-7634 include immediate patching of the affected QNAP NAS Media Streaming add-on to the latest available versions that contain proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to NAS devices, particularly the media streaming interfaces, and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads. Regular security assessments of network-attached storage systems should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities. Additionally, user education programs should be implemented to raise awareness about phishing attempts and suspicious links that may exploit this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary media streaming services when not actively required, reducing the attack surface available to potential attackers. The implementation of proper content security policies and input sanitization measures within the affected applications would provide additional layers of protection against similar cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in the future.