CVE-2018-8914 in Media Server
Summary
by MITRE
SQL injection vulnerability in UPnP DMA in Synology Media Server before 1.7.6-2842 and before 1.4-2654 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands via the ObjectID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/11/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-8914 represents a critical SQL injection flaw within the Universal Plug and Play Device Management API of Synology Media Server software. This issue affects versions prior to 1.7.6-2842 and 1.4-2654, creating a significant security risk for users operating these older releases. The vulnerability specifically resides in the UPnP DMA component which handles device management operations through the Simple Service Discovery Protocol. Attackers can exploit this weakness by manipulating the ObjectID parameter in HTTP requests, allowing them to inject malicious SQL commands directly into the backend database system. The flaw demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation and parameter sanitization within the application's data handling mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the ObjectID parameter which is processed without adequate sanitization measures. When an attacker submits a crafted ObjectID value containing SQL injection payloads, the malformed input bypasses the application's security controls and gets directly executed against the underlying database. This allows for arbitrary command execution at the database level, potentially enabling attackers to extract sensitive data, modify database contents, or even escalate privileges within the system. The vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication to exploit, making it accessible to remote attackers over the network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it can lead to complete system takeover and unauthorized access to all media files stored within the Synology Media Server environment. Attackers can leverage the SQL injection to enumerate database schemas, extract user credentials, and potentially gain access to other system resources. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for persistent backdoor installation and long-term unauthorized access to the media server infrastructure. According to ATT&CK framework reference T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1213 for data from information repositories, this vulnerability enables adversaries to establish persistent access and extract valuable media content. Organizations running affected versions face potential exposure of personal media libraries, user account information, and system configuration data that could be used for further attacks or monetization.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-8914 require immediate implementation of software updates to versions 1.7.6-2842 or 1.4-2654 where the vulnerability has been patched. System administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit access to UPnP services and apply firewall rules to restrict external access to the affected ports. Additional protective measures include implementing Web Application Firewalls to detect and block SQL injection attempts, conducting thorough input validation for all parameters, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect unusual database access patterns. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other applications and services. The patch addresses the root cause by implementing proper parameter binding and input sanitization techniques that prevent malicious SQL code from being executed within the database context. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and maintain detailed audit logs for forensic analysis purposes.