CVE-2021-29092
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to upload malicious files to Synology Photo Station, which can lead to arbitrary code execution. Attackers with valid credentials can exploit this to take control of affected systems. Only Synology Photo Station installations before version 6.8.14-3500 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- Synology Photo Station
📦 What is this software?
Photo Station by Synology
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, steal data, install persistent backdoors, or pivot to other network resources.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, service disruption, or ransomware deployment on the affected Photo Station instance.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and file upload restrictions, potentially only affecting the Photo Station application.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but is straightforward once credentials are obtained. The 'unspecified vectors' suggests multiple exploitation paths.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 6.8.14-3500 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://www.synology.com/security/advisory/Synology_SA_20_20
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Log into DSM as administrator. 2. Open Package Center. 3. Find Photo Station. 4. Click 'Update' if available. 5. Alternatively, download version 6.8.14-3500+ from Synology website and manually install. 6. Restart Photo Station service.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Photo Station
linuxTemporarily disable Photo Station package until patching is possible
ssh admin@synology-nas
sudo synopkg stop PhotoStation
sudo synopkg uninstall PhotoStation
Restrict file uploads
allConfigure web server to block dangerous file types
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate Photo Station from critical systems
- Enforce strong authentication policies and monitor for suspicious login attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Photo Station version in DSM Package Center or via SSH: synopkg version PhotoStationCheck Version:
synopkg version PhotoStationVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm version is 6.8.14-3500 or higher in Package Center📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual file uploads to Photo Station
- Suspicious authentication attempts
- Execution of unexpected processes from Photo Station directory
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from Synology NAS
- Traffic to Photo Station upload endpoints from unexpected sources
SIEM Query:
source="synology" AND (event="file_upload" OR event="package_update") AND app="PhotoStation"