CVE-2024-29974 in NAS326
Summary
by MITRE • 06/04/2024
** UNSUPPORTED WHEN ASSIGNED ** The remote code execution vulnerability in the CGI program “file_upload-cgi” in Zyxel NAS326 firmware versions before V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 and NAS542 firmware versions before V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 could allow an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code by uploading a crafted configuration file to a vulnerable device.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-29974 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the Zyxel NAS326 and NAS542 network-attached storage devices. This security weakness exists in the CGI program named "file_upload-cgi" and affects firmware versions prior to V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 for NAS326 models and V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 for NAS542 models. The flaw enables unauthenticated attackers to gain unauthorized execution capabilities on affected devices, potentially compromising entire network infrastructures through this single vulnerable component.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the file upload functionality of the affected Zyxel NAS devices. When a malicious user uploads a specially crafted configuration file through the vulnerable CGI interface, the system fails to properly sanitize or validate the file contents before processing. This insufficient validation creates a pathway for arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to inject and run malicious code on the target device. The vulnerability manifests through the web-based management interface of the NAS devices, making it accessible over the network without requiring authentication credentials. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the barriers for exploitation, as the vulnerability can be triggered remotely by any internet-connected attacker.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass complete system compromise and potential data breaches. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected NAS devices, enabling them to access stored files, modify system configurations, install malicious software, or use the compromised device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the same network. The implications are particularly severe for organizations relying on these devices for critical data storage and file sharing services, as the compromise could lead to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or complete service disruption. The vulnerability's remote nature means that attackers do not need physical access to the devices, making it especially dangerous for enterprise environments where NAS devices are often exposed to external networks.
Organizations affected by CVE-2024-29974 should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address the vulnerability, as recommended by Zyxel's security advisories. The remediation process involves upgrading to firmware versions V5.21(AAZF.17)C0 for NAS326 devices and V5.21(ABAG.14)C0 for NAS542 devices, which contain the necessary patches to prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability. Additional mitigations include implementing network segmentation to isolate affected NAS devices, disabling unnecessary network services, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious activities related to file upload operations. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish incident response procedures for rapid containment and remediation if compromise occurs. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a significant concern under the ATT&CK framework's execution and privilege escalation domains, particularly targeting the use of legitimate system tools for malicious purposes.