CVE-2001-0988 in Arkeia
Summary
by MITRE
Arkeia backup server 4.2.8-2 and earlier creates its database files with world-writable permissions, which could allow local users to overwrite the files or obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0988 affects Arkeia backup server versions 4.2.8-2 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw in file permission management. This issue stems from the backup server's improper handling of database file creation processes where the software generates its database files with world-writable permissions. The fundamental technical flaw lies in the lack of proper access control enforcement during file system operations, allowing any local user on the system to modify or delete these critical database files. This misconfiguration creates an inherent privilege escalation vector since the backup server typically handles sensitive data including backup configurations, user credentials, and potentially encrypted backup contents.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data integrity concerns as it provides local attackers with the ability to manipulate backup operations and potentially gain access to confidential information stored within the database files. Attackers could overwrite database files to disrupt backup operations, corrupt backup data, or even inject malicious content that could compromise the entire backup infrastructure. The world-writable permissions create an environment where unauthorized modifications can occur without detection, potentially leading to complete backup system compromise and data loss scenarios. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and represents a classic example of insecure file permissions that has been documented in various security frameworks including CWE-732.
From an attack perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including privilege escalation through insecure file permissions and credential access via backup system compromise. The flaw represents a persistent security weakness that could be exploited by both malicious insiders and external attackers who gain local access to the system. Organizations using affected Arkeia backup server versions face significant risk of data exposure and system integrity compromise. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper file permission management in security-critical applications and highlights the necessity of regular security audits of system components. Remediation involves immediate implementation of proper file permissions, ensuring that database files are created with restrictive access controls and that the backup server operates with minimal required privileges. This vulnerability serves as a prime example of how basic security misconfigurations can lead to severe operational consequences in enterprise backup environments.
The security implications of this vulnerability extend to compliance requirements and regulatory frameworks that mandate proper access controls and data protection measures. Organizations must implement comprehensive patch management processes to address such legacy vulnerabilities and ensure that all backup systems operate with appropriate security controls. Regular security assessments should include verification of file permissions and access control configurations to prevent similar issues from persisting in modern backup infrastructures. This vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining security awareness and proper configuration management practices throughout the software lifecycle.