CVE-2026-3179 is a path traversal vulnerability classified under CWE-22 affecting ASUSTOR ADM's FTP Backup functionality. The vulnerability occurs because the ADM software fails to properly sanitize or validate filenames received from FTP servers when parsing directory listings. Specifically, an attacker controlling the FTP server or positioned as a man-in-the-middle can craft filenames containing path traversal sequences such as '../' that cause the ADM client to write files outside the designated backup directory. This improper limitation of pathname allows an attacker to overwrite arbitrary files on the system, potentially including critical system files or configuration files. The consequences of such overwriting include privilege escalation, where the attacker gains higher system privileges, or remote code execution, enabling full system compromise. The vulnerability affects ADM versions from 4.1.0 through 4.3.3.ROF1 and 5.0.0 through 5.1.2.RE51. The CVSS v4.0 score of 9.2 reflects the vulnerability's critical nature due to its network attack vector, low attack complexity, no required privileges or user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Although no public exploits have been reported yet, the vulnerability's characteristics make it a high-risk target for attackers. The lack of patch links suggests that fixes may not yet be publicly available, emphasizing the need for immediate mitigation.

The impact of CVE-2026-3179 is severe for organizations using vulnerable ASUSTOR ADM versions. Successful exploitation can lead to arbitrary file overwriting, which may corrupt or replace critical system files, backup data, or security configurations. This can cause system instability, data loss, or denial of service. More critically, attackers can leverage this to escalate privileges or execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially gaining full control over the affected NAS device. Given that ASUSTOR ADM is often used in enterprise and SMB environments for network-attached storage and backup, compromise can lead to exposure or loss of sensitive corporate data, disruption of business operations, and lateral movement within internal networks. The vulnerability’s exploitation does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing the risk of automated or widespread attacks. Organizations relying on ASUSTOR ADM for backup and storage must consider this a critical threat that can undermine data integrity and system security.

To mitigate CVE-2026-3179, organizations should immediately verify if their ASUSTOR ADM installations fall within the affected version ranges (4.1.0 to 4.3.3.ROF1 and 5.0.0 to 5.1.2.RE51). If patches or updates are released by ASUSTOR, they should be applied without delay. In the absence of official patches, organizations should consider disabling the FTP Backup feature or restricting FTP backup operations to trusted, internal FTP servers only, eliminating exposure to malicious or MITM FTP servers. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be employed to limit FTP traffic to known safe sources. Additionally, monitoring file system changes and backup directories for unexpected modifications can help detect exploitation attempts. Employing secure FTP alternatives (e.g., SFTP or FTPS) with strong authentication and encryption can reduce the risk of MITM attacks. Finally, organizations should conduct regular security audits and maintain up-to-date backups stored offline or in immutable storage to recover from potential compromises.