CVE-2021-33183

7.9 HIGH

📋 TL;DR

This path traversal vulnerability in Synology Docker's container volume management allows local users to bypass directory restrictions and access arbitrary files on the host system. It affects Synology NAS devices running vulnerable versions of Docker Package, requiring local access to exploit.

💻 Affected Systems

Products:
  • Synology Docker Package
Versions: Versions before 18.09.0-0515
Operating Systems: Synology DSM (DiskStation Manager)
Default Config Vulnerable: ⚠️ Yes
Notes: Affects Synology NAS devices with Docker Package installed. Requires local access to the system or compromised container.

📦 What is this software?

⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact

🔴

Worst Case

Local attackers could read sensitive system files, write malicious files to critical locations, or potentially escalate privileges to gain full control of the NAS device.

🟠

Likely Case

Malicious local users or compromised containers could access sensitive data from other containers or the host system, potentially stealing credentials or configuration files.

🟢

If Mitigated

With proper access controls and container isolation, impact would be limited to the compromised container's scope.

🌐 Internet-Facing: LOW - Requires local access to exploit, not directly exploitable over network.
🏢 Internal Only: HIGH - Local users or compromised containers can exploit this to access sensitive files across the system.

🎯 Exploit Status

Public PoC: ✅ No
Weaponized: UNKNOWN
Unauthenticated Exploit: ✅ No
Complexity: LOW

Exploitation requires local access but vectors are unspecified in advisory. Likely involves manipulating volume mount paths.

🛠️ Fix & Mitigation

✅ Official Fix

Patch Version: 18.09.0-0515 and later

Vendor Advisory: https://www.synology.com/security/advisory/Synology_SA_21_08

Restart Required: Yes

Instructions:

1. Log into DSM web interface. 2. Open Package Center. 3. Find Docker Package. 4. Click Update if available. 5. Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall latest version. 6. Restart Docker service or reboot NAS.

🔧 Temporary Workarounds

Restrict Docker Access

all

Limit which users can access Docker and run containers to trusted administrators only.

Container Isolation

linux

Run containers with minimal privileges and avoid mounting sensitive host directories.

docker run --read-only --security-opt=no-new-privileges image_name

🧯 If You Can't Patch

  • Remove Docker Package entirely if not needed
  • Implement strict access controls and audit all container configurations

🔍 How to Verify

Check if Vulnerable:

Check Docker Package version in DSM Package Center or run: cat /var/packages/Docker/etc/package_info | grep version

Check Version:

cat /var/packages/Docker/etc/package_info | grep version

Verify Fix Applied:

Verify Docker Package version is 18.09.0-0515 or later in Package Center

📡 Detection & Monitoring

Log Indicators:

  • Unusual file access patterns from Docker containers
  • Path traversal attempts in container logs
  • Access to sensitive host paths from container processes

Network Indicators:

  • Not applicable - local vulnerability

SIEM Query:

source="docker" AND (path="../../" OR path="../" OR "path traversal")

🔗 References

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