CVE-2021-38691 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2021-38691, a critical stack buffer overflow vulnerability affecting QNAP QVR Elite, QVR Pro, and QVR Guard. Explore the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A stack buffer overflow vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP devices running QVR Elite, QVR Pro, and QVR Guard. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary code. The affected versions have been fixed in subsequent releases.
Understanding CVE-2021-38691
This CVE identifies a critical stack buffer overflow vulnerability impacting QNAP's QVR Elite, QVR Pro, and QVR Guard products, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.
What is CVE-2021-38691?
CVE-2021-38691 is a high-severity vulnerability that allows threat actors to trigger a stack buffer overflow on vulnerable QNAP systems, opening the door for the execution of malicious code.
The Impact of CVE-2021-38691
The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high severity with a CVSS base score of 8.1. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized remote code execution, compromising system confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-38691
This section provides insight into the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability involves a stack buffer overflow in QNAP devices running QVR Elite, QVR Pro, and QVR Guard, enabling malicious actors to execute arbitrary code and potentially gain unauthorized access.
Affected Systems and Versions
The CVE affects various versions of QVR Elite, QVR Pro, and QVR Guard, including QuTS hero h5.0.0, QuTS hero h4.5.4, QTS 5.0.0, and QTS 4.5.4, with specific version dependencies.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploitation of this vulnerability requires no special privileges and can be achieved remotely over a network. The attack complexity is rated as high.
Mitigation and Prevention
In response to CVE-2021-38691, immediate steps should be taken to secure vulnerable QNAP systems, followed by long-term security practices and regular patching.
Immediate Steps to Take
Ensure that the affected QNAP systems are updated to the patched versions specified by the vendor to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement robust network security measures, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access and enhance overall system security.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from QNAP Systems Inc. and promptly apply them to address known vulnerabilities and maintain system integrity.