IRONSMITHINTEL
CRITICALCVSS10.0
|
Actively Exploited
|CISA KEV|CVE-2021-28799|Auth: none — unauthenticated|Reboot: required|Manual only

QNAP NAS Improper Authorization Vulnerability

QNAP NAS running HBS 3 contains an improper authorization vulnerability which can allow remote attackers to log in to a device.

Published May 13, 2021 · Updated May 16, 2026
Why patchRisk explained in plain English
Worst-case scenarioIf unpatched

A remote attacker, without authentication, can achieve full data confidentiality loss, arbitrary modification of data, complete denial of service or system unavailability. CISA has confirmed use of this vulnerability in known ransomware campaigns — treat as high priority for remediation. Federal agencies are required to remediate by 2022-04-21 under CISA BOD 22-01.

How the attack worksNo clicks needed

This is a Software Vulnerability (CWE-285) (CWE-285) vulnerability in QNAP Network Attached Storage (NAS). An improper authorization vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP NAS running HBS 3 (Hybrid Backup Sync. ) If exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to log in to a device. This issue affects: QNAP Systems Inc. HBS 3 versions prior to v16.0.0415 on QTS 4.5.2; versions prior to v3.0.210412 on QTS 4.3.6; versions prior to v3.0.210411 on QTS 4.3.4; versions prior to v3.0.210411 on QTS 4.3.3; versions prior to v16.0.0419 on QuTS hero h4.5.1; versions prior to v16.0.0419 on QuTScloud c4.5.1~c4.5.4. This issue does not affect: QNAP Systems Inc. HBS 2 . QNAP Systems Inc. HBS 1.3 . Exploitation requires remote network access, low attack complexity, no authentication required, and no user interaction required.

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Phishing link

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Malicious file

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Server compromised

Am I affected?Quick check

Probably yes if any of these apply:

IT Security
Running hybrid backup sync: v < 16.0.0415, v < 3.0.210412, v < 3.0.210411, v < 16.0.0419
Real-world incidentsWhat we've seen

CISA confirms this CVE has been used in known ransomware campaigns. Added to the KEV catalog on 2022-03-31; federal agencies required to remediate by 2022-04-21.

How to patch

Manual remediation steps

Apply the Vendor Patch

This vulnerability is in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog — apply the vendor's security update as soon as possible.

CISA required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.

References

    1
    Vendor advisory: https://www.qnap.com/en/security-advisory/QSA-21-13
    1
    NVD entry: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2021-28799
    1
    CISA KEV: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-28799
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