“Critical Zero-Click Vulnerability Discovered in Synology Photos App – Millions of Users at Risk”
A Critical Zero-Click Vulnerability Found in Synology Photos App – What Users Must Know
If you own a Synology NAS device, updating your system has never been more urgent. Security researchers from the Dutch cybersecurity firm Midnight Blue recently uncovered a serious zero-click vulnerability in the Synology Photos app, which could put millions of users at risk.
This flaw is particularly dangerous because the Synology Photos app comes pre-installed on many of the company’s DiskStation and Bee network storage devices, making it a default target for attackers. Unlike common vulnerabilities that require user interaction, a zero-click bug allows hackers to compromise devices without any clicks or actions from the user.
In this article, we’ll break down what this vulnerability means, how it works, why it’s such a serious threat, and what steps Synology device owners should take immediately.
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What is a Zero-Click Vulnerability?
A zero-click vulnerability is one of the most dangerous forms of security flaws. Unlike phishing emails or malware downloads, where a user must mistakenly click a link or install a file, zero-click exploits require no interaction at all.
That means hackers can silently exploit devices the moment they are connected to the internet. Victims often have no idea their device has been compromised until it’s too late.
Some of the world’s most infamous cyberattacks, such as Pegasus spyware, have relied on zero-click vulnerabilities. The newly discovered bug in Synology Photos falls in this same category.
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How the Synology Photos Bug Works
According to Midnight Blue, the vulnerability lies in a part of the Photos app that doesn’t require user authentication. This means hackers can directly access and exploit it remotely over the internet, without needing login credentials.
Once exploited, attackers can:
Gain root access to the NAS device.
Install malicious code that runs silently in the background.
Steal sensitive files and personal data stored on the device.
Turn the NAS into a botnet – a network of infected devices used for launching massive cyberattacks.
Deploy ransomware, encrypting files and demanding payment.
In other words, attackers gain complete control of the system.
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Why This Discovery is Concerning
The reason this bug has raised alarms is that Synology NAS devices are extremely popular for both home users and businesses. These devices are often used to store:
Family photos and personal documents
Company databases
Financial records
Backup files
A compromise at this level can be devastating. Businesses risk data breaches and financial loss, while individuals may lose irreplaceable personal files or fall victim to ransomware gangs.
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Researcher Insights
Carlo Meijer, one of the researchers who discovered the flaw, explained the difficulty of uncovering such vulnerabilities.
> “It’s not easy to independently discover the vulnerability on your own,” Meijer told Wired. “But once a security patch is released, it becomes easier to reverse-engineer and see exactly how the exploit works.”
This is a common problem in cybersecurity. Once patches are released, attackers can study them to understand what was fixed, and then exploit unpatched systems. That’s why delaying updates is extremely risky.
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The Scale of the Risk
Midnight Blue estimates that millions of Synology users worldwide could be vulnerable if they haven’t updated their systems. Because the Photos app comes pre-installed and enabled by default, many users may not even realize they are at risk.
Worse yet, Synology’s NAS devices do not automatically install security patches. This means the responsibility falls entirely on users to manually update their devices.
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Real-World Consequences: Ransomware Attacks
This isn’t just a theoretical concern. In early 2024, several Synology DiskStation users reported being victims of ransomware attacks. Cybercriminals exploited vulnerabilities to lock down devices and demand payments in cryptocurrency.
The discovery of this new zero-click flaw raises fears that similar attacks could become far more widespread if users do not update quickly.
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How Synology Responded
Synology has acknowledged the vulnerability and released a security patch addressing the flaw. However, because patches are not automatically applied, millions of devices remain exposed.
The company has urged users to:
1. Update DSM (DiskStation Manager) – Synology’s operating system.
2. Update the Synology Photos app to the latest version.
3. Disable external access if updates cannot be applied immediately.
4. Enable two-step verification for better account security.
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Steps You Should Take Right Now
If you are a Synology NAS owner, here are urgent steps you should follow:
1. Update Immediately
Go to your Control Panel → Update & Restore section and install the latest DSM and app updates.
2. Turn Off Remote Access (If Not Needed)
Many exploits target NAS devices exposed to the internet. Disable QuickConnect, UPnP, or port forwarding if you don’t need remote access.
3. Enable a Firewall
Configure the built-in firewall to block unwanted traffic.
4. Create Regular Backups
Even with strong security, no system is 100% safe. Keep backups on an offline drive or cloud storage to recover files in case of ransomware.
5. Monitor Device Activity
Check for unusual CPU or network usage, which may indicate your NAS is being used as part of a botnet.
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Why Zero-Click Bugs Are a Growing Threat
This discovery highlights a worrying trend. As devices become more connected, attackers look for ways to exploit them without user interaction. Zero-click vulnerabilities are perfect for cybercriminals because:
They are stealthy – users often never notice.
They provide full access to systems.
They can be used for mass exploitation – infecting thousands of devices quickly.
Cybersecurity experts warn that IoT devices, smart home systems, and NAS devices are prime targets in the coming years.
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Beyond Synology: Lessons for All Users
While this bug specifically affects Synology Photos, the lessons apply to everyone:
Always apply security updates as soon as they are available.
Don’t rely on default settings – they often leave devices exposed.
Use strong authentication wherever possible.
Limit internet exposure of sensitive devices.
Neglecting updates can turn even the most trusted hardware into a serious liability.
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What’s Next for Synology Users?
Synology will likely continue releasing security updates, but the onus is on users to stay vigilant. Security researchers warn that as patches are studied, copycat attacks may emerge targeting those who haven’t updated.
Midnight Blue has also emphasized the importance of independent security testing for widely used consumer devices. The discovery of this bug suggests there could be more undiscovered vulnerabilities in Synology’s ecosystem.
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Final Thoughts
The Synology Photos zero-click vulnerability is a wake-up call for millions of users. It proves once again that even trusted devices are not immune to cyber threats.
If you own a Synology NAS, the message is simple: update now, not later.
Failing to do so could expose your most valuable files to hackers, ransomware gangs, and botnet operators. With cybersecurity risks rising globally, vigilance and proactive protection are the only way forward.
