CVE-2018-19949 in QTS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/29/2020
If exploited, this command injection vulnerability could allow remote attackers to run arbitrary commands. QNAP has already fixed the issue in the following QTS versions. QTS 4.4.2.1231 on build 20200302; QTS 4.4.1.1201 on build 20200130; QTS 4.3.6.1218 on build 20200214; QTS 4.3.4.1190 on build 20200107; QTS 4.3.3.1161 on build 20200109; QTS 4.2.6 on build 20200109.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/06/2025
This command injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-19949 represents a critical security flaw in QNAP QTS operating systems that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected devices. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the system's command processing mechanisms, creating an opportunity for malicious actors to inject and execute unauthorized commands remotely without authentication. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software systems. The impact of such a vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it provides attackers with complete control over the affected QNAP devices, potentially enabling them to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or use the compromised systems as launch points for broader network attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the QNAP system fails to properly sanitize user inputs before incorporating them into system commands. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that bypass input validation checks and inject operating system commands directly into vulnerable application interfaces. This typically happens through web interfaces, API endpoints, or network services that process user-supplied data without adequate sanitization or encoding. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit it, making it particularly dangerous for network-attached storage devices that are often exposed to external networks. According to the ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the system's native command execution capabilities to perform malicious activities.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-19949 is severe and multifaceted, affecting organizations that rely on QNAP storage solutions for critical data infrastructure. Compromised devices can serve as entry points for lateral movement within networks, allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access additional systems. The vulnerability affects multiple QTS versions including 4.4.2, 4.4.1, 4.3.6, 4.3.4, 4.3.3, and 4.2.6, indicating a widespread exposure across the QNAP product line. Organizations running these affected versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations. The vulnerability's exploitation can lead to complete system takeover, data loss, and disruption of business operations. Network administrators should consider this vulnerability as a high-priority threat requiring immediate remediation, as the affected systems are likely to be targeted by automated scanning tools and exploit frameworks.
QNAP has addressed this vulnerability through specific firmware updates targeting the affected versions and build numbers mentioned in the advisory. The patched versions include QTS 4.4.2.1231 on build 20200302, QTS 4.4.1.1201 on build 20200130, QTS 4.3.6.1218 on build 20200214, QTS 4.3.4.1190 on build 20200107, QTS 4.3.3.1161 on build 20200109, and QTS 4.2.6 on build 20200109. Organizations should immediately assess their current QNAP device configurations and upgrade to the appropriate patched versions to mitigate the risk. The remediation process should include thorough testing of the updates in controlled environments before deployment to production systems. Additional security measures such as network segmentation, firewall rules restricting access to QNAP devices, and monitoring for suspicious network activity should complement the firmware updates. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify any remaining exposure points and ensure comprehensive protection against similar command injection vulnerabilities.