CVE-2025-50464 is a buffer overflow vulnerability identified in the upload.cgi module of the iptime NAS firmware version 1.5.04. The root cause of this vulnerability is the unsafe use of the strcpy function to copy data from the CONTENT_TYPE HTTP header into a fixed-size stack buffer of only 8 bytes without any bounds checking. This unsafe operation occurs before any authentication logic is executed, allowing an attacker to exploit the vulnerability without needing valid credentials. Because strcpy does not limit the length of the copied data, an attacker can supply a specially crafted CONTENT_TYPE header with data exceeding the buffer size, leading to a stack-based buffer overflow. This overflow can potentially overwrite adjacent memory, including control flow data such as return addresses or function pointers, which could allow arbitrary code execution or cause a denial of service by crashing the device. The vulnerability affects iptime NAS devices running the vulnerable firmware version 1.5.04, which are network-attached storage devices commonly used for data storage and sharing in small to medium business and home environments. No public exploits are currently known in the wild, and no patches or mitigations have been officially released as of the publication date. The lack of authentication requirement and the fact that the vulnerability is triggered via HTTP headers make this a highly exploitable vulnerability, especially if the device is exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to full compromise of the NAS device, allowing attackers to access sensitive stored data, disrupt availability, or use the compromised device as a foothold for further network intrusion.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially for those relying on iptime NAS devices for critical data storage and sharing. Exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data theft, or data manipulation, impacting confidentiality and integrity. Additionally, successful exploitation could result in device crashes or persistent compromise, affecting availability and operational continuity. Given that many European businesses use NAS devices in their IT infrastructure, a compromised NAS could serve as a pivot point for lateral movement within corporate networks, increasing the risk of broader network breaches. Organizations in sectors with strict data protection regulations such as GDPR could face compliance violations and reputational damage if sensitive data is exposed. The pre-authentication nature of the vulnerability increases the attack surface, as attackers do not need valid credentials or user interaction, making remote exploitation feasible if the device is accessible over the internet or untrusted networks.

Immediate mitigation steps include isolating affected iptime NAS devices from untrusted networks, especially the internet, to reduce exposure. Network-level controls such as firewall rules should restrict access to the NAS management interfaces and upload.cgi endpoint to trusted IP addresses only. Organizations should monitor network traffic for suspicious HTTP requests containing anomalous or oversized CONTENT_TYPE headers targeting the upload.cgi module. Since no official patches are currently available, organizations should contact the vendor for firmware updates or security advisories and apply any released patches promptly. As a temporary workaround, disabling or restricting the upload.cgi functionality, if feasible, can reduce risk. Implementing network segmentation to limit the NAS device's connectivity to critical systems can minimize potential lateral movement. Regular backups of NAS data should be maintained to ensure recovery in case of compromise. Finally, organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify any exploitation attempts and validate the effectiveness of mitigations.