CVE-2024-50396 in QTS
Summary
by MITRE • 11/22/2024
A use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow remote attackers to obtain secret data or modify memory.
We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.2.1.2930 build 20241025 and later QuTS hero h5.2.1.2929 build 20241025 and later
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical use of externally-controlled format string flaw that impacts multiple QNAP operating system versions, specifically affecting the QTS and QuTS hero platforms. The issue stems from improper validation of user-supplied input that gets processed through format string functions, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory operations and potentially extract sensitive information. The vulnerability falls under the CWE-134 category, which specifically addresses format string vulnerabilities where external input is used directly in format string functions without proper sanitization. This type of weakness allows attackers to craft malicious inputs that can trigger undefined behavior in the application's memory management, potentially leading to information disclosure or arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it provides attackers with the capability to modify memory contents through carefully crafted format specifiers. When an application processes user input through functions like printf or sprintf without proper validation, attackers can inject format specifiers that reference memory addresses, potentially allowing them to read sensitive data from memory or overwrite critical program variables. This weakness particularly affects QNAP devices running QTS 5.2.1.2930 build 20241025 and earlier versions, as well as QuTS hero h5.2.1.2929 build 20241025 and earlier releases, making these systems susceptible to remote exploitation without authentication. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for valid accounts, as attackers could leverage this weakness to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to system resources.
The remediation strategy focuses on updating to the patched versions that contain proper input validation mechanisms and format string handling. QNAP has addressed this issue in QTS 5.2.1.2930 build 20241025 and later, as well as QuTS hero h5.2.1.2929 build 20241025 and later releases, which implement proper sanitization of user inputs before processing them through format string functions. Organizations should immediately deploy these updates to protect their QNAP devices from potential exploitation, as the vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data stored on these network-attached storage systems. The fix ensures that all external inputs are properly validated and escaped before being used in format string operations, preventing malicious format specifiers from being executed and maintaining the integrity of the system's memory management functions. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in preventing format string attacks and highlights the need for regular security updates in enterprise storage solutions.