CVE-2022-27593 QNAP Photo Station Externally Controlled Reference Vulnerability
Certain QNAP NAS running Photo Station with internet exposure contain an externally controlled reference to a resource vulnerability which can allow an attacker to modify system files. This vulnerability was observed being utilized in a Deadbolt ransomware campaign.
From the CISA KEV catalogue version 2026.11.06, with Cybergen analysis. Updated 6 Nov 2026.
Should You Worry?
- CISA confirmed exploitation in the wild and added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on 8 Sep 2022.
- CISA lists it as known to be used in ransomware campaigns.
- Rated Critical severity (CVSS 10.0, scored by Vendor).
- It has been in the catalogue for 1,520 days. Systems still unpatched now have almost certainly been scanned for it.
What It Is
An externally controlled reference to a resource vulnerability has been reported to affect QNAP NAS running Photo Station. If exploited, This could allow an attacker to modify system files. We have already fixed the vulnerability in the following versions: QTS 5.0.1: Photo Station 6.1.2 and later QTS 5.0.0/4.5.x: Photo Station 6.0.22 and later QTS 4.3.6: Photo Station 5.7.18 and later QTS 4.3.3: Photo Station 5.4.15 and later QTS 4.2.6: Photo Station 5.2.14 and later
Affected Versions
| Product | Versions |
|---|---|
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 6.1.2 |
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 6.0.22 |
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 6.0.22 |
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 5.7.18 |
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 5.4.15 |
| QNAP Systems Inc. Photo Station | unspecified to before 5.2.14 |
From the public CVE record, as supplied by the vendor. Always confirm against the vendor advisory.
What To Do Now
- 1
Find it
Search your asset inventory and external attack surface for QNAP Photo Station. Include cloud images, appliances and anything a supplier runs for you.
Attack Surface Management - 2
- 3
Hunt for compromise
If an affected system was reachable before you patched, assume it may have been hit. Check logs, new accounts, web shells and outbound connections from the date of exposure.
Incident Response - 4
Prove it is fixed
Rescan or test the system after patching. Upgrades that fail silently and forgotten secondary instances are common.
Penetration Testing
The Compliance Clock
General guidance, not legal advice. Your obligations depend on your sector, scope and jurisdiction.
Not Sure If You Are Exposed?
Our attack surface and vulnerability teams can check your internet-facing estate for CVE-2022-27593 and every other exploited flaw on the list.