CVE-2020-5847 in Unraid
Summary
by MITRE
Unraid through 6.8.0 allows Remote Code Execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-5847 represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Unraid operating systems through version 6.8.0. This security weakness enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for network-connected environments. Unraid is a popular operating system designed for home and small business NAS (Network Attached Storage) solutions, where it serves as the foundation for file sharing, backup services, and various networked applications. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the Unraid web interface, specifically in how the system processes user-supplied data through its remote management features.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through crafted malicious input that bypasses normal security controls within the Unraid framework. Attackers can leverage this flaw by sending specially crafted HTTP requests to the affected system's web server interface, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the application layer, allowing unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges and execute commands with the same permissions as the web server process. This flaw typically manifests when the system fails to properly validate or sanitize data passed through parameters in HTTP requests, creating a path for malicious payloads to be interpreted and executed as legitimate system commands. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, which address improper input validation and code injection respectively, and maps to ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for command and script injection.
The operational impact of CVE-2020-5847 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as successful exploitation can result in complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within networked environments. Organizations using Unraid systems are particularly vulnerable since these appliances often serve as central points for file storage and network services, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to network resources. The vulnerability affects systems that are directly exposed to the internet or accessible from untrusted networks, where attackers can readily send malicious requests without requiring physical access or prior authentication. Network administrators may face significant challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the malicious activity can appear as legitimate system operations, potentially going unnoticed for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5847 require immediate action to address the vulnerability through official patches provided by Unraid. System administrators should prioritize updating to Unraid versions 6.8.1 or later, which contain the necessary security fixes for this flaw. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, network-level mitigations such as implementing firewall rules to restrict access to the Unraid web interface, disabling remote management features when not required, and employing network monitoring solutions can help reduce exposure. Additional protective measures include configuring the system to only accept connections from trusted IP addresses, enabling two-factor authentication where available, and regularly reviewing system logs for suspicious activity. Security professionals should also consider implementing network segmentation to isolate Unraid systems from critical network resources and establish automated monitoring for unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect against remote code execution threats targeting network infrastructure.