CVE-2021-29090 in Photo Station
Summary
by MITRE • 06/02/2021
Improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in PHP component in Synology Photo Station before 6.8.14-3500 allows remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary SQL command via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-29090 represents a critical sql injection flaw within the php component of Synology Photo Station software. This vulnerability affects versions prior to 6.8.14-3500 and enables remote authenticated users to execute arbitrary sql commands through unspecified attack vectors. The flaw resides in the improper neutralization of special elements used within sql commands, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries. The vulnerability classification aligns with cwe-89 which specifically addresses sql injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is improperly incorporated into sql commands without adequate sanitization or parameterization. This weakness allows attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored within the photo station database.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft to encompass full database compromise and potential system escalation. Attackers can leverage this flaw to extract user credentials, personal photographs, and other sensitive information stored within the photo station database. The authenticated nature of the attack means that users must already have valid login credentials to exploit this vulnerability, but this requirement does not significantly reduce the risk given that many organizations maintain default or weak credentials. The attack vectors remain unspecified in the initial description, suggesting that multiple pathways exist for exploitation including but not limited to api endpoints, web forms, or parameter manipulation within the photo station interface. This ambiguity in attack vectors increases the potential surface area for exploitation and makes comprehensive patching more challenging for system administrators.
The security implications of CVE-2021-29090 align with several tactics outlined in the attack mitigation framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and data exposure. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to move laterally within networks where Synology devices are deployed, potentially leading to broader system compromise. Organizations using Synology Photo Station should consider this vulnerability in their broader threat modeling exercises, especially in environments where these devices serve as repositories for sensitive personal or corporate information. The flaw represents a significant concern for compliance with data protection regulations since it could enable unauthorized data access and potential data breaches that would violate privacy standards such as gdpr or hipaa. System administrators should prioritize patching this vulnerability to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of their photo storage infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-29090 should include immediate deployment of the vendor-supplied patches for Synology Photo Station versions prior to 6.8.14-3500. Organizations should implement comprehensive monitoring of authentication logs to detect suspicious activity that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network segmentation should be considered to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, particularly in environments where photo stations are integrated with other critical systems. Regular security assessments should include verification of patch status for all Synology products, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date firmware and software versions. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation measures can provide additional layers of protection against sql injection attacks, though these should be considered supplementary to proper patch management rather than replacements for vendor-provided security updates. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of timely security patch management and proper input validation in preventing sql injection attacks.