CVE-2021-29088 is classified as a high-severity vulnerability affecting Synology's DiskStation Manager (DSM). This vulnerability allows local users to execute arbitrary code due to improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly referred to as 'Path Traversal'. The CVSS score of 7.8 reflects the significant risk this vulnerability poses, particularly as it can impact confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Published on June 1, 2021, this vulnerability affects all versions of Synology DiskStation Manager prior to 6.2.4-25553. The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and code execution within their systems. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate this risk.
As of now, no known exploits have been confirmed, and the vulnerability is not listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database. However, the nature of this vulnerability suggests that it could be detrimental if not addressed promptly.
Given the high severity and potential impact of CVE-2021-29088, it is critical for organizations utilizing Synology DiskStation Manager to assess their systems and apply the necessary updates without delay.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2021-29088 states that improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory in the cgi component of Synology DiskStation Manager allows local users to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors. The CVSS score of 7.8 indicates a high severity, categorized under the following criteria: attack vector is local, attack complexity is low, privileges required are low, and there is no user interaction necessary.
The affected product is Synology DiskStation Manager, with the vulnerability impacting all versions prior to 6.2.4-25553. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22, indicating a path traversal issue.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-29088 is the failure to properly validate user input concerning file paths, allowing attackers to traverse the file system. This path traversal vulnerability can be exploited through local access, where an attacker can use low-level privileges to gain access to restricted directories and execute arbitrary code.
The attack complexity is low, meaning it requires minimal effort to exploit. No user interaction is necessary, as local users can leverage this vulnerability directly. The potential impacts of this vulnerability are severe, with high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using Synology DiskStation Manager face significant risks due to this vulnerability. The ability of local users to execute arbitrary code can lead to unauthorized access, data breaches, and compromised system integrity. The blast radius of this vulnerability is considerable, as it can potentially impact all local users of the system. Given its high CVSS score, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
With an EPSS score indicating a low probability of exploitation, organizations should still remain vigilant and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency for organizations to patch is high, as the consequences of exploitation could be catastrophic.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Synology DiskStation Manager prior to 6.2.4-25553 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure that they update to the latest version to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-29088.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2021-29088, organizations should upgrade to Synology DiskStation Manager version 6.2.4-25553 or later. If immediate upgrading is not possible, organizations should implement network controls to limit access to vulnerable systems and monitor for suspicious activities. Additionally, routine configuration hardening should be performed to secure the environment.
For further guidance on securing your systems, consider reviewing our penetration testing services to assess your security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns, particularly from local users. Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized file access attempts, should be flagged for review. Additionally, network signatures can help identify possible exploitation attempts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-29088 represents a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation in software design. The potential for local users to exploit path traversal vulnerabilities highlights the need for stringent security controls and regular software updates. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their systems to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.
For additional insights on improving your security posture, explore our penetration testing methodology guide. Further, understanding common vulnerabilities through our vulnerability management program can greatly enhance your defense strategy.
Finally, for a deep dive into application security best practices, consider our web application penetration testing article, which can provide valuable insights into securing your applications.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

.webp)