1. Introduction
ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) is a web interface used to manage ASUSTOR NAS devices. Detecting its presence on a network indicates potential exposure of storage data and administrative access points. This vulnerability poses a risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of stored information.
2. Technical Explanation
The detection of ADM signifies that the web interface is accessible, potentially allowing unauthorized access if not properly secured. The primary risk stems from default credentials or known vulnerabilities within the ADM software itself. An attacker could exploit this by attempting to log in with common default usernames and passwords, or by leveraging existing exploits targeting the ADM service.
- Root cause: Accessible web interface for ASUSTOR NAS devices without sufficient security measures.
- Exploit mechanism: Attackers attempt to gain access via the web interface using default credentials or known vulnerabilities. For example, an attacker could try logging in with username “admin” and password “admin”.
- Scope: Affects systems running ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) on ASUSTOR NAS devices.
3. Detection and Assessment
To confirm the presence of ADM, you can check for open ports associated with the web interface or access the interface through a web browser. Thorough assessment involves checking for default credentials and known vulnerabilities.
- Quick checks: Access the ASUSTOR NAS device’s web interface via a web browser using its IP address.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin 16839 can detect ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM). This is an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Check web server logs for requests to the ADM interface, typically on port 21 or 80/443.
nmap -p 21,80,443 <target_ip>4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary solution is to secure the ADM web interface by changing default credentials and keeping the software up-to-date.
4.1 Preparation
- Dependencies: Access to the ASUSTOR NAS web interface with administrative privileges. Roll back plan involves restoring from backup if issues occur.
- Change windows should be planned during off-peak hours and require approval from IT security or system administrators.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the ASUSTOR NAS web interface with administrative credentials.
- Step 2: Navigate to “Settings” > “Security” > “General”.
- Step 3: Change the default administrator password to a strong, unique password.
- Step 4: Enable two-factor authentication if available.
- Step 5: Check for and install any available firmware updates within the ADM interface (“Settings” > “System Information” > “Update”).
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Default username: admin, Default password: adminAfter
Username: <new_username>, Password: <strong_password>4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help mitigate this vulnerability type.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access to the ADM interface to authorized users only.
- Practice 2: Strong password policies – enforce strong, unique passwords for all administrator accounts.
- Practice 3: Patch cadence – Regularly update ASUSTOR Data Master (ADM) and NAS firmware to address known vulnerabilities.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation is not typically available for this specific vulnerability due to the interface-based nature of configuration changes.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to log in using the previous default credentials; access should be denied.
- Re-test: Re-run the initial web interface access test – it should require the new password.
- Monitoring: Check logs for failed login attempts using default credentials, which would indicate ongoing attacks.
Attempt to log in with username "admin" and password "admin". Expected output: Access denied or invalid credentials message.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regularly update security baselines and implement monitoring for failed login attempts.
- Baselines: Update a security baseline to include strong password requirements and regular firmware updates for ASUSTOR NAS devices.
- Pipelines: Consider implementing vulnerability scanning as part of your CI/CD pipeline to identify outdated software versions.
- Asset and patch process: Establish a monthly or quarterly schedule for reviewing and applying firmware updates to all ASUSTOR NAS devices.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing passwords could disrupt existing automated scripts that rely on default credentials. Firmware updates may occasionally introduce compatibility issues.
- Roll back: Restore from a previous backup if compatibility issues arise, or revert to the previous firmware version if available.
8. References and Resources
Links to official advisories and documentation.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.asustor.com/admv2?type=1&subject=1&sub=101
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE currently listed for ADM detection, but check the NVD database for related ASUSTOR vulnerabilities.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://support.asustor.com/admv2