CVE-2005-2611 in Backup Exec
Summary
by MITRE
VERITAS Backup Exec for Windows Servers 8.6 through 10.0, Backup Exec for NetWare Servers 9.0 and 9.1, and NetBackup for NetWare Media Server Option 4.5 through 5.1 uses a static password during authentication from the NDMP agent to the server, which allows remote attackers to read and write arbitrary files with the backup server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-2611 represents a critical security flaw in VERITAS Backup Exec and NetBackup products across multiple platforms and versions. This weakness specifically affects backup solutions that utilize the Network Data Management Protocol (NDMP) for data protection operations. The vulnerability stems from the implementation of static authentication credentials within the NDMP agent component, creating a persistent security risk that spans multiple product lines and version ranges.
The technical flaw manifests through the use of hardcoded or static passwords during the authentication process between NDMP agents and backup servers. This design decision eliminates the dynamic generation of authentication tokens that would normally be required for secure communication. When an attacker gains network access to a system running affected backup software, they can exploit this static credential to establish unauthorized connections to the backup server. This authentication bypass allows attackers to perform arbitrary file operations including reading sensitive data and writing malicious content to the backup infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete compromise of backup systems and the data they protect. Attackers with access to the backup server can manipulate backup jobs, modify backup schedules, and potentially gain access to confidential information stored in backup repositories. The vulnerability affects both Windows and NetWare environments, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with mixed platform infrastructures. The static nature of the password means that once discovered, the credential remains valid indefinitely unless manually changed by system administrators, creating a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across extended time periods.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-798, which identifies the use of hardcoded credentials as a significant security weakness, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1005 for data from local system. Organizations affected by this vulnerability face potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of backup operations that could result in complete data loss scenarios. The impact is particularly severe because backup systems are often considered trusted components within IT infrastructure, making this attack vector especially effective for lateral movement and persistent access. Recovery from such an attack typically requires complete system reinstallation and credential regeneration, creating significant operational downtime and recovery costs.
The recommended mitigations include immediate patching of affected systems, implementation of network segmentation to isolate backup infrastructure, and enforcement of dynamic authentication mechanisms. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their backup environments and implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of avoiding static credentials in network protocols and demonstrates the critical need for regular security updates and vulnerability management processes. Additionally, implementing proper network access controls and limiting the exposure of backup servers to untrusted networks can significantly reduce the attack surface for this specific vulnerability.