Vulnerabilities and Exploits on Synology & QNAP NAS – Stay Updated!

Be Regularly Updated on Security Concerns with Synology & QNAP NAS

Recently there has been a spotlight on some NAS brands and their security and protection from attacks by hackers and online intruders. In some cases, this has been down to holes being found in the system software or system protocol over time that, if left unpatched can lead to Ransomware like the QNAP QLocker of 2021, the Synology Synolocker of 2014. Typically, these can stem from many methods but ultimately revolve around hackers boarding the latest firmware and finding loopholes/backdoors within the system software each time it has an official update. This is not unusual and practically ALL the computer software-related services and hardware in your home/business environment go through this – most updates to the firmware in everything from your phone to your TV, router, console and more are specifically designed to close these newly found chinks in the armour. It is a constant game of cat and mouse, however, in almost all cases the vulnerability in software (that led to your system being penetrated) will be down to the fact your device has not been updated in firmware/software in a considerable length of time.

Why Do People Not Update Their QNAP or Synology NAS System Software Immediately?

Of course, updating the firmware on your NAS every single time a new system software version is released is not quite as simple as that. Sure, the actually ACT of updating is super easy and the NAS system will constantly remind you of updates in your system firmware or individual app software – but many still do not immediately action this update. This is by no means exclusive to NAS either, with many, MANY users choosing to ignore the windows update icon at the bottom right of the screen right now, or the recommended system update restart/remind option at the top right on a Mac. There are several reasons that people do not immediately update their firmware, such as:

  • The system is currently in use and there is no time right now to allow a restart, as well as having current projects/tabs/services operational
  • You once/twice experienced an update on a NAS (or really any device that has regular updates) that made the system unable to perform to the previous standard (software feature changed/removed), so you had to perform a complicated firmware roll-back/downgrade and it left you less keen on immediately firmware actions
  • It is a major firmware update that changes the system GUI and system options notable, so you do not wish to action a software update that will increase the learning curve
  • (less common but certainly happens) Your NAS system is part of a wider network of systems (part of a CMS) that either cannot or is not recommended to be individually updated without updating every other system at the same time

So, it is all fair and well for me to say ‘you should always update’, but the truth is that many have rather valid/understandable reasons for not actioning these straight away. Of course, the alternative would be for brands to automatically FORCE system updates through, or restrict an app/system able to connect with online services until the update is installed (as found with gaming services like Playstation Network and XBox Live) – but in a NAS, or even desktop/computer/phone-based systems these options would be INCREDIBLY UNPOPULAR! So, that is how we reached the current state of affairs between the NAS Brands, their system updates, individual app updates and how/when users choose to action them. So, how do we resolve this?

 

How to Remove QSnatch from your QNAP NAS Protecting Your Synology NAS from Ransomware
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qoFnhVGPXDM] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUwUnyr9Om8]
What is QNAP QLocker? How to Remove QLocker from your QNAP NAS
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQjOn5Hc7Jg] [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aq_cIdY_ksQ]

How Can You Stay On Top Of NAS Updates and Be Aware of Vulnerabilities on your NAS?

Many users might not be aware, but the majority of NAS brands (and indeed this extends to enterprise service providers like NetApp, cloud storage like Google Drive and large blob type storage like AWS and Azure) have an online portal that, known as the Security Advisory, that details the latest vulnerabilities, issues, faults and issues that are raised on their respective platforms. These are then available for public view (as they are submitted) and their effect, danger, current investigated status, date of the resolution and recommended action are then displayed. See Below:

 

These pages are almost certainly a legal requirement as part of their term of service and due diligence, not just a kind and wholesome gesture. However, it can be INCREDIBLY INTIMIDATING to read through them – even a 5-minute glance will make you question how on earth you have not been hacked yet! However, many of these vulnerabilities are exceptionally small and are built on exceptionally outdated firmware (perhaps 2-3 years overdue), require exceptionally weak security settings in place, DMZ network settings or simply are specific to a particular tool being used in a certain way. Nevertheless, many users will see these listings of issues and go one of two ways. One, they IMMEDIATELY UPDATE EVERYTHING and regularly update as soon as updates appear (regardless of the reasons against it listed earlier). Two, they look at the vulnerabilities, scroll through, see that none of them appear to be applicable to their own network hardware/storage setup and then continue to not-update until something more specific to their setup appears. There are pros and cons to either action of course, but better to have all the facts and listed vulnerabilities at your disposal than to proceed on just hunches and guesses!

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. I hope you find it helpful and if you have any recommendations or idea of what we should add to this page/service to make it even better – let us know in the comments or directing here – https://nascompares.com/contact-us

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Vulnerabilities, Ransomware and Exploits on Synology & QNAP NAS – Stay Updated!

 

 

Work In Progress – More Security Advisory Updates and Reports Coming Soon for Other Brands

 

 


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45 thoughts on “Vulnerabilities and Exploits on Synology & QNAP NAS – Stay Updated!”

  1. Hello sir .. recently (3 weeks ago) I brought home the QNAP TS-673A NAS. It is my first. I am a musician, looking for a less complicated, faster data throughput option mainly to avoid the audio sample libraries’ often AGONIZINGLY slow loading times. (The ‘less-complicated’ meaning that, I don’t want a setup like my current – every USB port on my laptop taken, including the Thunderbolt4 port acting as a “super-fast 3.1 Gen2 interface” to a StarTech Gen2 hub, with 4 short Gen2 cables out to portable WD Gen2 drives…) YES, it’s a nightmarish mess, but gets me the speed I want. But when I update the Kontakt library database for example, I need to scan 5 folders on 5 separate drives – instead of just 1, which I hope to achieve, and with similar speed, in my new QNAP setup.

    This would be up and running a few weeks ago, but I am busy touring with the band I play with this summer and seldom home on weekends. But in my research about QNAP NAS’s (including, thankfully, many of your fine contributions here on YT) .. it didn’t take long at all to learn of the security exploits and dreaded RW attacks. So my ‘rush’ to setup this NAS – turned into something not so rushed at all. One alternative, according to a review of my same product on Amazon, indicates the fellow used something called “TrueNAS Scale” – a freeware, open-source OS he claims to be much more secure than what QNAP offers, but what others say is incredibly complex and non-user-friendly.

    So right now, I sit on a day off with the NAS plugged in (not powered on) populated with 1 WD “Gold” Enterprise 8 TB drive, along with 4 WD “Red Plus” NAS 8 TB drives, ready for a RAID 5 configuration. My laptop’s Thunderbolt 4 port is connected to one of the NAS’s USB faster ports (not the slower USB-C which you rightfully ridiculed in your TS-873A review). The ‘Power’ button has not been pushed yet. I have a network connection ready for a cloud install when I finally turn it on, and I have your 2022 QNAP NAS Setup Guide series of 6? videos all cued up and ready to follow with precision. So I guess my only question is: IS IT SAFE, on this day, TO DO THE STANDARD QNAP QuTS “hero” install??? Or should I try the alternative TrueNAS Scale install, for which there are a few walkthrough videos I could follow as well? I’m leaning toward QNAP … but only if it is safe. Answers from anyone well-experienced NAS’ers are welcome too. Thanks you sir, and keep up the great work you do!
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  4. My MacBook was affected and I had no option than to contact #GLOCYBER on instagram. He did helped me recover all my files.
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  6. My company system was infected too. We all couldn’t use our computers because it spreads to everyone computer. Our manager has explained that he hire #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM and he was able to fix it. At least, we could have our jobs again.
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  7. My mums computer was infected and she asked me to help her. Although I don’t know how to fix it so I contacted #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM and he helped us. He charged us a bit but it was very affordable. Thanks to him.
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  8. I got infected too. It was annoying seeing your computer but can’t use it. I did asked my technician and he suggest I should contact #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM. I did contact him and he was able to help me out.
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  9. Am a photographer and it affected all my clients files and pictures. It affects my animal documentation pics. I almost cried, then I make my research and found out that #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM has been helping out. He did mine and thanks to him.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  12. I got affected by the division of the virus. And I could not read for my exam because it encrypted all my lectures note. Thanks to my lecturer who recommended #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM to help me recover my files. He did and am so happy.
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  13. Am a student too and it lock all my pdf and everything other thing in my laptop. Am so happy I got help from #GLOCYBER ON INSTAGRAM. He did a marvelous work and now I have all my files back.
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  15. I was dead in need of my computer. But I could not all because of this virus. I was recommended to #GLOCYBER on instagram and he responded to me and helped me fix my laptop.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  16. Am able to contact #GLOCYBER on INSTAGRAM and I showed him what has happened to my computer. He was able to assist and get my computer free from the virus.
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  18. It was through the help of #GLOCYBER on instagram that we ware able to get our money photos decrypt. The virus has held all the pics in the system.
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  19. It was #GLOCYBER on instagram that was able to help me fix all my files and get them decrypt. He really did a great work and am happy I met him.
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  20. I found a legit cyber professional. He is #GLOCYBER on instagram. he was able to help me fix and decrypt all my encrypted files. Thanks to him for his kindness.
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  21. Contacting #GLOCYBER on instagram was the best thing I did after my files got infected. He quickly decrypt all my files and get me free from the virus.
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  22. This virus has been attached to my files for more than a week. It was my dad who directed me to #GLOCYBER on instagram and he was able to get rid of the virus. Thanks to him.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  23. my files have been encrypted and I thought I would never use them again. My lecturer told me to reach #GLOCYBER on instagram and he was able to help me recover my files from the virus. Thanks to him.
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  24. Contacting #GLOCYBER on instagram was the best thing I did after my files got infected. He quickly decrypt all my files and get me free from the virus.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  26. My computer was affected too and it got stuck of all the virus. Thanks to my sister who had recommended #GLOCYBER on instagram. I search him on google and he responded to me. Thanks to him.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  29. *I was hit, so unplugged, shutdown, external USB backs fine. Plex user, was watching at the time no issues, went to update saver denied, then found the splash screen, no on reboot, water gapped on an independent switch no WiFi etc, it instantly goes to initialization. So save to assume the service themselves have been affected. Did safe shutdown. After some time I turn on everything then I found out I’ve been truly hit by deadbolt. I did as many research as I could and I found out that scott can actually decrypt the encrypted files So I paid some money not upto what deadbolt team are asking, then he decrypted my files*
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  30. *I was hit, so unplugged, shutdown, external USB backs fine. Plex user, was watching at the time no issues, went to update saver denied, then found the splash screen, no on reboot, water gapped on an independent switch no WiFi etc, it instantly goes to initialization. So save to assume the service themselves have been affected. Did safe shutdown. After some time I turn on everything then I found out I’ve been truly hit by deadbolt. I did as many research as I could and I found out that scott can actually decrypt the encrypted files So I paid some money not upto what deadbolt team are asking, then he decrypted my files*
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  35. ????I was so glad when I finally realized and get in touch with Glo Cyber while I used the contact above. He is indeed a genius and his skill are authentic. I rec. everyone to appreciate his efforts.
    REPLY ON YOUTUBE

  44. The little graphics was very helpful. I learned my lesson for sure on what having a backup actually means.

    I naively bought my NAS thinking it would be my own little personal cloud machine and sole backup (thinking raid would keep me safe forever) for my documents, photos, and videos.

    Now I realize I’m going to still have to spend more money on cloud services and be very careful with my qnap nas.

    I was immediately thinking of switching to Synology since you said it’s more user friendly and all I really use my NAS for is backup and as a cloud drive to put my files into it and be able to retrieve them on my phone. Unfortunately, from what I’ve seen on the appstore the other Nas company apps look like they are just as rough, slow, and confusing to use as Qnap’s (Qmanager and Qfile). I don’t understand how “downloads” and “Qsync” works on Qfile for example so I’ve been just moving files manually as I would on any other cloud app.

    For now I’m staying with my TS-453D.
    But still have mixed feelings about it.
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  45. So I got stung by the Qlocker ransom ware attack and apparently it was caused by a back door issue relating one of the apps, hybrid desk station? I can’t recall I was too busy fuming at how a company could have this vulnerability. And I do appreciate the support the qnap staff have tried to give in recovering the files and data, but when the process broke down and they let communication fade, with lack of support to get a resolution I soon lost patients with them and decided to let go of some files. I thankfully did have back ups but when your sync does the backing up it basically just had a knock on effect so ran some files where synced to pc, and a back up hard drive before I had noticed. Thankfully larger files where left and they only went after the smaller file sizes.

    Anyway long story short, always back up your data manually on an off line hard drive. This is the only real way you can secure a true back up of your files. Thankfully an old NAS gave that option to me.
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