Source: security@qnapsecurity.com.tw
A buffer overflow vulnerability has been reported to affect License Center. If a remote attacker gains an administrator account, they can then exploit the vulnerability to modify memory or crash processes. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following version: License Center 2.0.36 and later
License Center is vulnerable to a critical buffer overflow that allows a remote attacker with administrator privileges to potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a denial-of-service (DoS) condition. Successful exploitation could lead to complete system compromise. Organizations running vulnerable versions of License Center should immediately update to version 2.0.36 or later.
Step 1: Authentication: The attacker must first obtain valid administrator credentials for License Center. This could involve credential stuffing, phishing, or exploiting other vulnerabilities to gain access to an administrator account.
Step 2: Crafting the Payload: The attacker crafts a malicious input, specifically designed to overflow a designated buffer within the License Center application. This crafted input will likely contain a payload designed to overwrite memory and potentially execute arbitrary code or cause a crash.
Step 3: Payload Delivery: The attacker submits the crafted input to the License Center application, typically through a web interface or API endpoint. The specific endpoint will depend on the vulnerable function.
Step 4: Buffer Overflow Trigger: The License Center application processes the malicious input, and the vulnerable function copies the attacker-controlled data into the buffer without proper bounds checking. This leads to the buffer overflow.
Step 5: Memory Corruption: The overflow overwrites adjacent memory regions, potentially including critical program data, function pointers, or other sensitive information.
Step 6: Code Execution/DoS: Depending on the overwritten data, the attacker can either achieve arbitrary code execution (gaining control of the system) or cause a crash, leading to a denial-of-service condition.
The vulnerability stems from a buffer overflow within License Center's code. The root cause is likely an unchecked input validation process when handling data related to license management, potentially within a function responsible for processing user-supplied data. Specifically, the software fails to properly validate the size of an input buffer before copying data into it. An attacker can craft a malicious input exceeding the allocated buffer size, overwriting adjacent memory regions. This memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or a crash, depending on the overwritten data. The vulnerability is triggered when an authenticated administrator submits a crafted request, highlighting the importance of securing administrator accounts.
While no specific APTs are directly linked to this CVE at this time, any threat actor with the capability to exploit web applications or target specific software (like License Center) could leverage this vulnerability. The risk is heightened if the target organization has poor security practices. CISA KEV status: Not Applicable (as of this report's generation, given the limited information).
Monitor License Center logs for unusual activity, such as repeated failed login attempts or unexpected errors.
Analyze network traffic for suspicious requests to License Center endpoints, especially those involving license management or user input.
Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to identify malicious payloads or patterns associated with buffer overflow attacks.
Monitor system processes for unexpected behavior or crashes related to License Center.
Review License Center configuration files for any unauthorized modifications.
Examine memory dumps (if available after a crash) for evidence of buffer overflows and malicious code injection.
Immediately update License Center to version 2.0.36 or later.
Enforce strong password policies and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all administrator accounts.
Regularly audit administrator account activity.
Implement a web application firewall (WAF) to filter malicious traffic.
Conduct regular vulnerability scans and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Harden the underlying operating system and network infrastructure.
Implement least privilege access control to limit the impact of a successful exploit.