CVE-2017-7640 in NAS Application Media Streaming Add-On
Summary
by MITRE
QNAP NAS application Media Streaming add-on version 421.1.0.2, 430.1.2.0, and earlier allows remote attackers to run arbitrary OS commands against the system with root privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-7640 affects the QNAP NAS application Media Streaming add-on, specifically versions 421.1.0.2, 430.1.2.0, and earlier releases. This represents a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to execute arbitrary operating system commands with root privileges on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the media streaming component, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject and execute harmful commands directly on the network-attached storage device. The flaw exists in the way the application processes user-supplied input parameters, particularly in the context of media file handling and streaming functionality.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of command-line arguments and input parameters that are passed to system commands without adequate sanitization or validation. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets processed by the vulnerable application and subsequently executed with elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection'). The attack vector requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous as remote unauthenticated adversaries can exploit the flaw from outside the network perimeter.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on QNAP NAS devices. Successful exploitation allows attackers to gain complete control over the affected system, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, and lateral movement within the network. The root privileges granted through this vulnerability mean that attackers can modify system files, install malicious software, create new user accounts, and access all stored data without any additional authentication requirements. This vulnerability directly aligns with the MITRE ATT&CK framework's technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through legitimate interfaces. Organizations using these vulnerable versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive corporate data, as the NAS device often serves as a central repository for files, backups, and media content.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-7640 primarily involve immediate patching of the affected QNAP Media Streaming add-on to versions that address the command injection vulnerability. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to NAS devices, disable unnecessary services, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected application. Additional protective measures include implementing proper input validation at the application level, restricting external access to the NAS device, and maintaining up-to-date security monitoring solutions. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems and ensure that all firmware and software components are regularly updated to address known security flaws. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and privilege separation in preventing remote code execution attacks that can lead to complete system compromise.