CVE-2023-45044: CWE-120 in QNAP Systems Inc. QuTS hero
A buffer copy without checking size of input vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow authenticated administrators to execute code via a network. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later QuTS hero h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later
AI Analysis
Technical Summary
CVE-2023-45044 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-120, which pertains to a classic buffer copy without proper size checking, affecting QNAP Systems Inc.'s QuTS hero operating system, specifically versions h5.1.x prior to build 20231128. This flaw allows an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary code remotely over the network by exploiting improper handling of input data during buffer operations. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require high privileges (authenticated administrator access) to exploit. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and availability of the affected system by potentially allowing code execution that could disrupt services or alter system behavior. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.8, indicating a low severity primarily due to the requirement for authenticated administrator privileges and the lack of confidentiality impact. The vendor has addressed this vulnerability in QTS 5.1.4.2596 and QuTS hero h5.1.4.2596 builds released on or after November 28, 2023. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's nature means it could be leveraged by insiders or attackers who have gained administrative access to the system. The vulnerability is network exploitable, which increases its risk profile in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or weakly protected.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-45044 could be significant in environments where QNAP NAS devices running QuTS hero are deployed, especially in enterprises relying on these systems for critical data storage and network services. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially resulting in service disruption, data integrity compromise, or the deployment of further malware within the network. Given that QNAP devices are commonly used in small to medium businesses and some enterprise environments across Europe, this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation if administrative credentials are compromised. The low CVSS score reflects the requirement for administrative access, but in practice, if credentials are leaked or stolen, this vulnerability could be exploited to gain persistent control over NAS devices, impacting data availability and integrity. This is particularly relevant for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and public administration within Europe, where data loss or service outages could have regulatory and operational consequences.
Mitigation Recommendations
European organizations should prioritize updating affected QNAP QuTS hero systems to the patched versions (h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 or later) as soon as possible. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate NAS devices from general user networks and limit administrative access to trusted management networks only. Regular auditing and monitoring of administrative access logs can help detect suspicious activities early. Additionally, organizations should employ strong password policies and consider using dedicated management VLANs or VPNs for administrative access to reduce exposure. Backup strategies should be reviewed and tested to ensure rapid recovery in case of exploitation. Finally, organizations should keep abreast of any emerging exploit reports and apply security advisories promptly.
Affected Countries
Germany, France, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, Poland, Sweden
CVE-2023-45044: CWE-120 in QNAP Systems Inc. QuTS hero
Description
A buffer copy without checking size of input vulnerability has been reported to affect several QNAP operating system versions. If exploited, the vulnerability could allow authenticated administrators to execute code via a network. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later QuTS hero h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 and later
AI-Powered Analysis
Technical Analysis
CVE-2023-45044 is a vulnerability classified under CWE-120, which pertains to a classic buffer copy without proper size checking, affecting QNAP Systems Inc.'s QuTS hero operating system, specifically versions h5.1.x prior to build 20231128. This flaw allows an authenticated administrator to execute arbitrary code remotely over the network by exploiting improper handling of input data during buffer operations. The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require high privileges (authenticated administrator access) to exploit. The vulnerability impacts the integrity and availability of the affected system by potentially allowing code execution that could disrupt services or alter system behavior. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 3.8, indicating a low severity primarily due to the requirement for authenticated administrator privileges and the lack of confidentiality impact. The vendor has addressed this vulnerability in QTS 5.1.4.2596 and QuTS hero h5.1.4.2596 builds released on or after November 28, 2023. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the vulnerability's nature means it could be leveraged by insiders or attackers who have gained administrative access to the system. The vulnerability is network exploitable, which increases its risk profile in environments where administrative credentials might be compromised or weakly protected.
Potential Impact
For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2023-45044 could be significant in environments where QNAP NAS devices running QuTS hero are deployed, especially in enterprises relying on these systems for critical data storage and network services. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized code execution, potentially resulting in service disruption, data integrity compromise, or the deployment of further malware within the network. Given that QNAP devices are commonly used in small to medium businesses and some enterprise environments across Europe, this vulnerability could facilitate lateral movement or privilege escalation if administrative credentials are compromised. The low CVSS score reflects the requirement for administrative access, but in practice, if credentials are leaked or stolen, this vulnerability could be exploited to gain persistent control over NAS devices, impacting data availability and integrity. This is particularly relevant for sectors with stringent data protection requirements such as finance, healthcare, and public administration within Europe, where data loss or service outages could have regulatory and operational consequences.
Mitigation Recommendations
European organizations should prioritize updating affected QNAP QuTS hero systems to the patched versions (h5.1.4.2596 build 20231128 or later) as soon as possible. Beyond patching, organizations should enforce strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for administrative accounts to reduce the risk of credential compromise. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate NAS devices from general user networks and limit administrative access to trusted management networks only. Regular auditing and monitoring of administrative access logs can help detect suspicious activities early. Additionally, organizations should employ strong password policies and consider using dedicated management VLANs or VPNs for administrative access to reduce exposure. Backup strategies should be reviewed and tested to ensure rapid recovery in case of exploitation. Finally, organizations should keep abreast of any emerging exploit reports and apply security advisories promptly.
Affected Countries
For access to advanced analysis and higher rate limits, contact root@offseq.com
Technical Details
- Data Version
- 5.1
- Assigner Short Name
- qnap
- Date Reserved
- 2023-10-03T08:58:16.880Z
- Cvss Version
- 3.1
- State
- PUBLISHED
Threat ID: 683f0dc2182aa0cae27ff382
Added to database: 6/3/2025, 2:59:14 PM
Last enriched: 7/4/2025, 3:56:29 AM
Last updated: 7/30/2025, 1:08:11 PM
Views: 10
Related Threats
CVE-2025-49898: CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in Xolluteon Dropshix
MediumCVE-2025-55207: CWE-601: URL Redirection to Untrusted Site ('Open Redirect') in withastro astro
MediumCVE-2025-49897: CWE-89 Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') in gopiplus Vertical scroll slideshow gallery v2
HighCVE-2025-49432: CWE-862 Missing Authorization in FWDesign Ultimate Video Player
MediumCVE-2025-55203: CWE-79: Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting') in makeplane plane
MediumActions
Updates to AI analysis are available only with a Pro account. Contact root@offseq.com for access.
External Links
Need enhanced features?
Contact root@offseq.com for Pro access with improved analysis and higher rate limits.