CVE-2020-25765 in My Cloud
Summary
by MITRE • 10/28/2020
Addressed remote code execution vulnerability in reg_device.php due to insufficient validation of user input.in Western Digital My Cloud Devices prior to 5.4.1140.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25765 represents a critical remote code execution flaw affecting Western Digital My Cloud storage devices running firmware versions prior to 5.4.1140. This issue resides within the reg_device.php script which handles device registration processes, making it a prime target for attackers seeking unauthorized access to network-attached storage systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary code on affected devices.
The technical nature of this flaw aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design. The reg_device.php endpoint likely processes user parameters without adequate sanitization or filtering, allowing attackers to inject malicious payloads through crafted input fields. This vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise and home users who may not properly secure their network infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain full control over the device, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or use of the device as a pivot point for further network attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-25765 extends beyond simple device compromise, as affected Western Digital My Cloud devices serve as critical storage infrastructure for both personal and business users. Once exploited, attackers can access all stored data, modify system configurations, install malicious software, and potentially use the compromised device to launch attacks against other systems within the local network. The vulnerability affects a wide range of My Cloud models including the My Cloud EX2, EX4, and Pro series, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on these devices for data storage and backup operations. This flaw directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute system commands remotely.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily focus on immediate firmware updates to version 5.4.1140 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to device management interfaces, disable unnecessary services, and monitor network traffic for suspicious activity. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and input validation as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected devices and implement network segmentation to limit the impact of successful exploitation attempts. Regular security updates and proper patch management procedures are essential to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future, particularly given the persistent nature of remote code execution threats in network-attached storage environments.