CVE-2022-27626 is a critical security vulnerability identified in Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), specifically affecting certain models including DS3622xs+, FS3410, and HD6500 running DSM versions prior to 7.1.1-42962-2. The vulnerability is categorized as a race condition (CWE-362) within the session processing functionality of the Out-of-Band (OOB) Management feature. A race condition occurs when concurrent processes or threads access shared resources without proper synchronization, leading to unpredictable behavior and potential exploitation. In this case, improper synchronization in session handling allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected devices without requiring any authentication or user interaction. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 10.0, indicating a critical severity level with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and a scope change that impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability to a high degree. Although no public exploits have been reported in the wild yet, the vulnerability’s nature and critical rating imply a high risk of exploitation once weaponized. The lack of specified affected DSM versions suggests that all versions before the fixed release 7.1.1-42962-2 are vulnerable. This vulnerability could allow attackers to gain full control over the affected Synology NAS devices remotely, leading to data theft, service disruption, or use of the device as a pivot point for further network compromise.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant threat due to the widespread use of Synology NAS devices for data storage, backup, and file sharing across enterprises, SMBs, and public sector institutions. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive corporate or personal data, disruption of critical services, and potential ransomware deployment or lateral movement within internal networks. Given the criticality and ease of exploitation (no authentication or user interaction required), attackers could rapidly compromise vulnerable devices remotely, potentially impacting data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This is particularly concerning for sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR, where data breaches can lead to heavy fines and reputational damage. Additionally, the OOB management feature is often used for remote device administration, so exploitation could undermine remote management security, complicating incident response and recovery efforts.

European organizations should immediately verify if they operate any of the affected Synology models (DS3622xs+, FS3410, HD6500) running DSM versions prior to 7.1.1-42962-2. The primary mitigation is to upgrade DSM to version 7.1.1-42962-2 or later, where this vulnerability is patched. If immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should disable the Out-of-Band Management feature temporarily to eliminate the attack surface related to this vulnerability. Network-level mitigations include restricting access to DSM management interfaces to trusted IP addresses or VPNs, implementing strict firewall rules to block unauthorized inbound traffic to NAS devices, and monitoring network traffic for unusual activity targeting Synology devices. Regularly auditing device logs for suspicious session activity and employing intrusion detection systems tailored to detect exploitation attempts can further enhance defense. Additionally, organizations should review and harden their NAS device configurations, including strong authentication mechanisms and minimal exposure of management interfaces to the internet.