CVE-2024-53286: Synology Router Manager RCE Vulnerability

CVE-2024-53286 Overview

CVE-2024-53286 is an OS command injection vulnerability [CWE-78] in the Dynamic DNS (DDNS) Record functionality of Synology Router Manager (SRM). The flaw affects SRM versions before 1.3.1-9346-11 and stems from improper neutralization of special elements passed to an operating system command. Remote authenticated attackers with administrator privileges can execute arbitrary code on the underlying router operating system through unspecified vectors in the DDNS Record component. Synology addressed the issue in advisory Synology_SA_24_16 and published the vulnerability to the NVD on July 23, 2025.

Critical Impact
Authenticated administrators can execute arbitrary OS commands on affected Synology routers, resulting in full compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the device.

Affected Products

Synology Router Manager (SRM) versions prior to 1.3.1-9346-11
SRM 1.3.1-9346 base release and updates 1 through 10
Synology routers running the vulnerable SRM firmware

Discovery Timeline

2025-07-23 - CVE-2024-53286 published to NVD
2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2024-53286

Vulnerability Analysis

The vulnerability resides in the DDNS Record functionality of Synology Router Manager. SRM manages Dynamic DNS provider configurations to keep external hostnames synchronized with the router's public IP address. The DDNS handling code passes user-supplied input into an OS command context without sufficient sanitization of shell metacharacters. An authenticated administrator can inject additional commands that execute with the privileges of the DDNS handler process on the router.

Because Synology routers run a Linux-based firmware, successful injection yields shell command execution on an embedded network device positioned at the network perimeter. This provides an attacker with persistent control over routing, DNS, VPN, and firewall functions of the affected device.

Root Cause

The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78]. Fields associated with DDNS record configuration are concatenated into command strings passed to a system shell, allowing metacharacters such as ;, |, `, and $() to break out of the intended command context.

Attack Vector

Exploitation requires network access to the SRM administrative interface and valid administrator credentials. The attacker submits a crafted DDNS record configuration containing shell metacharacters. When SRM invokes the underlying DDNS update command, the injected payload is executed by the router's shell. No user interaction beyond the attacker's own authenticated session is required.

Specific exploitation vectors were not disclosed by Synology. See the Synology Security Advisory SA-24-16 for vendor details.

Detection Methods for CVE-2024-53286

Indicators of Compromise

Unexpected DDNS record entries containing shell metacharacters such as ;, &&, |, backticks, or $() in SRM configuration.
Outbound connections from the router to unfamiliar IP addresses shortly after DDNS configuration changes.
New or modified processes, cron entries, or startup scripts on the router filesystem.
Administrator logins from unfamiliar geolocations or IP ranges preceding DDNS configuration edits.

Detection Strategies

Audit SRM administrative access logs for DDNS configuration changes and correlate them with the administrator account that made the change.
Compare current DDNS record fields against known-good backups to identify tampering.
Monitor network egress from routers for anomalous DNS, HTTP, or reverse-shell traffic patterns.

Monitoring Recommendations

Forward SRM system logs to a centralized log platform and alert on DDNS configuration edits.
Restrict administrative access to SRM using management VLANs, source IP allowlists, and multi-factor authentication.
Baseline outbound traffic from network infrastructure devices and alert on deviations.

How to Mitigate CVE-2024-53286

Immediate Actions Required

Upgrade Synology Router Manager to version 1.3.1-9346-11 or later on all affected devices.
Rotate SRM administrator credentials and audit the administrator account list for unauthorized entries.
Review DDNS record configurations for suspicious values and remove any unexpected entries.
Restrict management interface exposure so it is not reachable from the public internet.

Patch Information

Synology released a fix in SRM 1.3.1-9346-11. Refer to Synology Security Advisory SA-24-16 for the official patch notice and download instructions.

Workarounds

Limit SRM administrator accounts to trusted personnel and enforce strong, unique passwords with two-factor authentication.
Block access to the SRM administrative interface from untrusted networks using firewall rules.
Disable the DDNS feature until the patched firmware is applied if it is not required for operations.

bash

# Verify installed SRM version via the web UI: Control Panel > Info Center
# After upgrade, confirm the version string reports 1.3.1-9346-11 or later