CVE-2005-2080 in Backup Exec
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in Remote Agent for Windows Servers (RAWS) in VERITAS Backup Exec 9.0 through 10.0 for Windows, and 9.0.4019 through 9.1.307 for NetWare, allows remote attackers to gain privileges by copying the handle for the server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2080 resides within the Remote Agent for Windows Servers component of VERITAS Backup Exec software across multiple versions including 9.0 through 10.0 for Windows platforms and 9.0.4019 through 9.1.307 for NetWare environments. This security flaw represents a critical privilege escalation vulnerability that enables remote attackers to execute malicious code with elevated system privileges. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the Remote Agent for Windows Servers improperly handles server handles, creating an opportunity for attackers to copy and manipulate these system resources.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate handle management within the VERITAS Backup Exec Remote Agent service. When the system processes requests from remote clients, it fails to properly validate or restrict access to server handles that are essential for system operations. This improper handling allows attackers to intercept and duplicate these handles, effectively gaining unauthorized access to system resources that should be restricted to privileged processes. The flaw operates at the operating system level where handle duplication creates a pathway for privilege escalation attacks, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM-level privileges. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-264, which encompasses permissions, privileges, and access control issues in software systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2080 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data theft. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain complete control over affected systems, allowing them to manipulate backup operations, access sensitive data, or establish persistent access points within the network infrastructure. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no local access or authentication, making it a significant threat to organizations relying on VERITAS Backup Exec for their data protection strategies. Systems running affected versions of Backup Exec become vulnerable to exploitation through network-based attacks, potentially affecting backup servers, client systems, and networked storage environments. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers local privilege escalation through the exploitation of system-level vulnerabilities.
Organizations must implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the latest security patches from VERITAS, restricting network access to Backup Exec services, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure. System administrators should disable unnecessary backup agent services, enforce strong authentication mechanisms, and monitor for suspicious handle usage patterns. The vulnerability also necessitates a comprehensive review of backup infrastructure security, including the implementation of network access controls and regular security assessments of backup environments. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of backup operations to detect unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should include verifying that all affected systems have been patched and that network configurations properly restrict access to backup services.