External risk intelligence

QNAP QTS Cross-Site Scripting Vulnerability.

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2018-19953

A cross-site scripting vulnerability affects QNAP QTS systems, enabling remote attackers to inject malicious code and potentially compromise system integrity. The risk involves unauthorized code execution, impacting data and operations. Organizations should identify and protect affected systems.

4Halo Surface Signal

Cross-site Scripting

Qnap Qts

before 4.2.64.3.1.0013 to before 4.3.3.11614.3.4 to before 4.3.4.11904.3.6 to before 4.3.6.12184.4.0 to before 4.4.1.12014.4.2 to before 4.4.2.12314.2.6

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2018-19953

This vulnerability affects QNAP QTS, the operating system for network-attached storage devices. These devices are commonly deployed with web-based management interfaces and file-sharing portals that are frequently exposed to the public internet for remote access functionality.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Certain QNAP QTS systems contain a cross-site scripting vulnerability. This flaw allows remote attackers to inject and execute malicious code within the affected systems. The potential business impact includes unauthorized code execution and compromised system integrity.

  • Vulnerable QNAP QTS systems
  • Remote code injection
  • Compromised system integrity

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious code by exploiting a cross-site scripting flaw in QNAP's QTS operating system. Attackers can leverage this by directing users to a crafted web page or link. This action can lead to unauthorized code execution within the user's browser session on the affected system, potentially impacting data confidentiality and integrity.

  • External network access required.
  • Attacker tricks user into visiting malicious link.
  • Malicious code executes, impacting systems.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability presents a moderate risk, allowing remote attackers to inject malicious code into affected systems. Attackers with a low skill level could exploit this by sending specially crafted requests. The primary impact involves unauthorized code execution, potentially leading to data compromise or system disruption. Organizations should consider this a significant threat due to the potential for widespread impact.

  • Low attacker skill level.
  • No specific access required.
  • Potential for data compromise.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to inject malicious code by exploiting a cross-site scripting flaw. Organizations should act to identify and protect affected systems from potential compromise. Addressing this issue involves a structured approach to containment and remediation.

  • Find affected QNAP assets.
  • Reduce exposure or isolate risk.
  • Fix, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is QNAP QTS and what is it used for?

QNAP QTS is the operating system for QNAP Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices. People use these devices for data storage, file sharing, and running various applications on their network.

What is the weakness in CVE-2018-19953 classified as?

This vulnerability is classified as a cross-site scripting (XSS) weakness, specifically identified as CWE-79 and CWE-80. This means attackers can inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.

How can an attacker exploit this CVE-2018-19953 vulnerability?

An attacker can exploit this by tricking a user into visiting a specially crafted web page or link. This could lead to malicious code being executed within the user's browser session on the QNAP system.

Who should care about this QNAP QTS vulnerability, based on its Halo Surface Signal?

Anyone managing QNAP QTS systems that are accessible from the internet should care. The Halo Surface Signal indicates this vulnerability is external-facing, meaning it can be reached and potentially exploited over the internet.

What are the first steps to address CVE-2018-19953 on QNAP devices?

The first steps are to identify any QNAP assets running the affected QTS versions, reduce their exposure if possible, and then apply the vendor-provided fixes to remediate the vulnerability.

References