QNAP Systems disclosed CVE-2025-57714, a critical unquoted search path vulnerability in its NetBak Replicator 4.5.x backup software for Windows. The flaw allows local attackers with standard user access to execute arbitrary code by exploiting improperly quoted directory paths containing spaces. By inserting a malicious executable into a higher-priority path, attackers can hijack the execution flow when the legitimate NetBak Replicator program runs, leading to privilege escalation (potentially to admin level), persistence, and lateral movement across networks.The vulnerability poses a high risk in shared environments (e.g., terminal servers, VDIs, or multi-admin systems), where an attacker could chain this with other exploits to compromise entire infrastructures. While no direct data breach or ransomware is reported, the flaw enables unauthorized code execution, which could facilitate follow-on attacks like data theft, backdoor installation, or system takeover. QNAP patched the issue in version 4.5.15.0807, urging immediate updates alongside defense-in-depth measures (access controls, intrusion detection, and path audits).
Source: https://cyberpress.org/qnap-netbak-replicator-flaw/
TPRM report: https://www.rankiteo.com/company/qnap-systems-inc
"id": "qna2132421100625",
"linkid": "qnap-systems-inc",
"type": "Vulnerability",
"date": "6/2025",
"severity": "60",
"impact": "3",
"explanation": "Attack with significant impact with internal employee data leaks"{'affected_entities': [{'customers_affected': 'Organizations using NetBak '
'Replicator 4.5.x',
'industry': 'Data Storage/Network-Attached Storage '
'(NAS)',
'location': 'Taiwan (HQ)',
'name': 'QNAP Systems, Inc.',
'type': 'Technology Vendor'}],
'attack_vector': 'Local (requires local user account access)',
'customer_advisories': ['Urgent patch recommendation for NetBak Replicator '
'4.5.x users'],
'description': 'QNAP Systems has disclosed a critical vulnerability '
'(CVE-2025-57714) in its NetBak Replicator backup software '
'(version 4.5.x) that enables local attackers to execute '
'arbitrary code via an unquoted search path element. The flaw '
'allows privilege escalation when Windows attempts to locate '
'executables in directory paths containing spaces without '
'proper quotation marks. Attackers can insert malicious '
'executables into higher-priority paths, leading to '
'unauthorized code execution with elevated privileges. The '
'vulnerability requires local user account access and poses '
'significant risk in shared or multi-user environments. QNAP '
'has released a patch in version 4.5.15.0807.',
'impact': {'brand_reputation_impact': ['Potential reputational damage due to '
'unpatched systems'],
'operational_impact': ['Potential privilege escalation',
'Persistence',
'Lateral movement risk in shared '
'environments (e.g., terminal servers, '
'VDI)'],
'systems_affected': ['Windows systems running NetBak Replicator '
'4.5.x']},
'initial_access_broker': {'backdoors_established': ['Potential for backdoor '
'installation '
'post-exploitation'],
'entry_point': ['Local user account access (e.g., '
'via phishing or other initial '
'exploit)'],
'high_value_targets': ['Shared environments '
'(terminal servers, VDI, '
'multi-admin systems)']},
'investigation_status': 'Resolved (patch released)',
'lessons_learned': ['Importance of thorough path-handling checks in software '
'development',
'Need for defense-in-depth measures (access controls, '
'monitoring, regular audits)',
'Criticality of timely patching and vulnerability '
'scanning in change-management processes'],
'post_incident_analysis': {'corrective_actions': ['Released patched version '
'(4.5.15.0807) with fixed '
'path handling',
'Advisory for '
'defense-in-depth measures '
'(access controls, '
'monitoring, audits)'],
'root_causes': ['Unquoted search path in NetBak '
'Replicator 4.5.x',
'Improper handling of directory '
'paths with spaces in Windows',
'Lack of input validation for '
'executable paths']},
'recommendations': ['Upgrade NetBak Replicator to version 4.5.15.0807 or '
'later immediately',
'Limit local administrator privileges to reduce '
'exploitation risk',
'Implement host-based intrusion detection for backup '
'directories',
'Conduct regular security assessments focusing on path '
'and permission audits',
'Integrate vulnerability scanning into IT workflows to '
'detect similar issues proactively'],
'references': [{'source': 'QNAP Security Advisory (hypothetical, not provided '
'in text)'},
{'source': 'GMO Cybersecurity by IERAE, Inc. (Research by '
'Kazuma Matsumoto)'}],
'response': {'communication_strategy': ['Public advisory via QNAP’s security '
'bulletin'],
'containment_measures': ['Patch released in NetBak Replicator '
'4.5.15.0807'],
'enhanced_monitoring': ['Monitor for unusual process launches in '
'backup directories'],
'remediation_measures': ['Upgrade to patched version '
'(4.5.15.0807 or later)',
'Enforce strict access controls (limit '
'local admin privileges)',
'Deploy host-based intrusion detection '
'for backup directories',
'Conduct security assessments '
'(path/permission audits)',
'Integrate vulnerability scanning into '
'change-management processes'],
'third_party_assistance': ['GMO Cybersecurity by IERAE, Inc. '
'(disclosure by Kazuma Matsumoto)']},
'stakeholder_advisories': ['Public disclosure via QNAP’s security bulletin'],
'title': 'Critical Unquoted Search Path Vulnerability in QNAP NetBak '
'Replicator (CVE-2025-57714)',
'type': ['Vulnerability', 'Privilege Escalation', 'Arbitrary Code Execution'],
'vulnerability_exploited': 'CVE-2025-57714 (Unquoted Search Path in NetBak '
'Replicator 4.5.x)'}