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A History of NAS Security Incidents – Deadbolt, Synolocker, Muhstik, eCh0raix and More

A History Lesson on NAS Security Incidents – STAY SAFE!

As someone who has long relied on Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices for both personal and professional use, I’ve come to appreciate the convenience and functionality they offer. These devices provide a centralized and easily accessible repository for my important data, making them indispensable tools in my digital life. However, with this convenience comes a significant risk: the ever-present threat of cyberattacks. Over the past 15 years, we’ve seen numerous high-profile security incidents targeting NAS devices, underscoring the vulnerabilities inherent in these systems.

In this article, I want to take a closer look at some of the most significant security breaches that have impacted NAS devices from major brands like QNAP, Synology, Asustor, Terramaster, Western Digital, Netgear, and Buffalo. I’ll delve into each incident, exploring the specific vulnerabilities that were exploited, the methods used by attackers, and the devastating impacts on users and organizations. To make this information more accessible, I’ll provide user-friendly explanations that demystify the technical details, helping even those without a technical background understand how these attacks were carried out. Beyond recounting these incidents, I aim to identify commonalities among the attacks, highlighting recurring themes and valuable lessons we can all learn from. Finally, I’ll offer comprehensive recommendations on settings, setup options, and security measures that we can implement to protect our NAS devices from similar threats. By understanding these past incidents and adopting proactive security measures, we can better safeguard our valuable data and ensure the integrity of our NAS systems against future cyber threats.

Which NAS Security Settings Should You Focus On (TL;DR)?

Enhance your NAS device’s security by keeping firmware updated, using strong passwords, enabling multi-factor authentication, disabling unnecessary services, and using VPNs. Implement firewalls, IP access control, and regularly monitor logs. Ensure backups, use antivirus software, encrypt connections, set user permissions, and disable default admin accounts. Employ auto block for failed logins, utilize security scanning apps, limit client access with tools like Tailscale, disable SSH when not in use, and disable unused network protocols.

Setting to Change What It Prevents
Update Firmware Regularly Prevents exploitation of known vulnerabilities.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords Prevents brute-force attacks and unauthorized access.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Adds an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access even if passwords are compromised.
Disable Unnecessary Services Reduces potential entry points for attackers.
Enable Firewall Blocks unauthorized access and potential attacks from the internet.
Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) Ensures secure remote access to your NAS, preventing exposure to the internet.
Implement IP Access Control Restricts access to trusted IP addresses only.
Disable UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) Prevents automatic opening of ports which could be exploited by attackers.
Regularly Backup Data Ensures data recovery in case of ransomware attacks or data loss.
Monitor NAS Logs Helps detect suspicious activities early.
Enable Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection Protects against malware and other malicious software.
Use Encrypted Connections (HTTPS/FTPS) Ensures data is securely transmitted, preventing interception.
Set Up User Permissions Limits access to sensitive data to authorized users only.
Disable Default Admin Account Prevents attackers from exploiting known default credentials.
Enable Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS) Helps identify and block potential threats.
Enable Auto Block for Failed Login Attempts Prevents brute-force attacks by temporarily blocking IP addresses after multiple failed login attempts.
Use Security Scanning Apps Provided by NAS Brands Identifies and addresses vulnerabilities and misconfigurations.
Use Apps Like Tailscale to Limit Client Access Restricts access to a limited number of authenticated clients, enhancing security.
Disable SSH Access When Not Needed Prevents unauthorized remote access to the NAS.
Disable Unused Network Protocols (FTP, SMB, etc.) Reduces potential attack surfaces by limiting unnecessary network services.

By implementing these suggested security measures, you can greatly enhance the protection of your NAS device against various cyber threats.

1. QNAP NAS Devices and QLocker Ransomware (2021)

2. Synology NAS Devices and SynoLocker Ransomware (2014)

3. QNAP, Asustor, and Terramaster NAS Devices and DeadBolt Ransomware (2022)

4. WD My Book Live Devices Wiped by Exploit (2021)

5. QNAP NAS Devices and eCh0raix Ransomware (2019)

6. Synology NAS Devices and Bitcoin Miner Malware

7. WD My Cloud Security Incident (2023)

(Click HERE or Below to Learn More about the WD Cyber Incident)

8. Buffalo NAS Devices and Persistent XSS Vulnerabilities (2017)

9. Netgear ReadyNAS Devices and Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (2016)

10. Drobo NAS Devices and Vulnerabilities in Web Interface (2015)

What Have All of these NAS Security Incidents Have in Common?

All these NAS security incidents share several common elements. Firstly, they all involve exploiting vulnerabilities in firmware or software that was either outdated or had inherent flaws. Attackers took advantage of these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access, highlighting the critical importance of keeping firmware and software up to date. Many NAS devices were targeted because their users had not applied the latest security patches, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits. Secondly, weak or compromised authentication mechanisms were a recurring theme. Many attacks succeeded because of weak passwords, brute-force attacks, or poor authentication practices. This underscores the need for strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) to provide an additional layer of security. Brute-force attacks and weak password policies allowed attackers to easily gain access to NAS devices, facilitating the deployment of ransomware, malware, or unauthorized command execution.

Lastly, the impact of these incidents was significantly exacerbated by the interconnected nature of NAS devices. Many users had their NAS devices directly connected to the internet without adequate security measures, making them easy targets for remote attacks. This highlights the importance of securing network access and employing best practices for internet-connected devices. Implementing proper firewall settings, VPNs, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to the internet can greatly reduce the risk of such attacks.

Conclusion – Lock it DOWN!

To protect your NAS from these types of attacks, it is essential to implement a robust security setup. Start by ensuring that your NAS firmware and all installed applications are always up to date. Regularly check for updates from the manufacturer and apply them as soon as they are available. These updates often include patches for known vulnerabilities that could otherwise be exploited by attackers. Strong authentication measures are also crucial. Use complex, unique passwords for your NAS device and any associated accounts. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access, making it much harder for attackers to compromise your device even if they manage to obtain your password. Securing network access is another key aspect. Avoid exposing your NAS directly to the internet. If remote access is necessary, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure connection to your NAS. Configure your firewall to block unauthorized access and only allow trusted IP addresses if possible. Disabling unnecessary services and ports can also minimize potential entry points for attackers. Regularly review and update these settings to adapt to new security threats. By following these recommendations and staying vigilant about security practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of your NAS device being compromised. Regular monitoring, prompt application of updates, and robust authentication and network security measures are essential to safeguarding your data and maintaining the integrity of your NAS system.

How to Automatically Get Updated When Synology and QNAP NAS Vulnerabilities are Reported

Pretty much ALL of the brands in NAS, Data Storage and Cloud services have these security advisory pages, but the idea of checking these pages manually (i.e. bookmark etc) every day, week or month is too much of a hassle for many. On the other hand, they all arrive with an RSS feed link that allows users to subscribe to updates BUT many users are not even aware of how to apply an RSS feed (it’s a complex XML feed of text that needs to be injected into an appropriate RSS feed client/agent – so yeah, hardly noob friendly). So, in order to make this 1000x easier, I have (and by me, I mean Eddie the Web Guy spent time on it and I made this article!) made this page that will be constantly updated with the latest vulnerabilities reported on the popular NAS brands and storage-related manufacturers. It is still being built (so more brands are being added) but it will allow you to just chuck your email address below (will not be used for profit or spamming etc) and then you will get an alter EVERY TIME a new security vulnerability is updated by the brands (this is automated, so it will appear here as soon as it appears on the respective security advisory page). Additionally, there will be links back to the brand/manufacturer site so you can find out more about individual exploits and vulnerabilities, how they work, what they do and (most importantly) give you a better idea of whether you should update your NAS/Storage system or not.

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