CVE-2006-2155 in Retrospect
Summary
by MITRE
EMC Retrospect for Windows 6.5 before 6.5.382, 7.0 before 7.0.344, and 7.5 before 7.5.1.105 allows local users to execute arbitrary code by replacing the Retrospect.exe file, possibly due to improper file permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/21/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2155 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw affecting multiple versions of EMC Retrospect for Windows software. This vulnerability stems from inadequate file permission controls within the software installation and execution environment, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows local users to gain elevated privileges through simple file replacement techniques. The affected versions include Retrospect 6.5 before 6.5.382, 7.0 before 7.0.344, and 7.5 before 7.5.1.105, indicating this weakness persisted across several major releases of the backup and recovery software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a straightforward yet dangerous method involving the replacement of the Retrospect.exe executable file with a maliciously crafted version. When local users can successfully replace this core executable, they essentially gain the ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Retrospect process, which typically runs with elevated permissions due to its role in system backup operations. This flaw directly relates to CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic case of insufficient access control mechanisms. The vulnerability exploits the fundamental principle that legitimate system processes should not be replaceable by unauthorized users without proper authentication and authorization checks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive backup data, system configuration information, and potentially full system compromise. Since Retrospect is designed to perform backup operations and often requires elevated privileges to access protected system resources, the attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability gains access to a privileged execution context that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068, which covers 'Local Privilege Escalation,' and demonstrates how improper file permissions can create persistent attack vectors within enterprise environments where backup software is commonly deployed. The implications are particularly severe in environments where backup software runs with administrative privileges, as the attacker could potentially access and exfiltrate backup data containing sensitive information.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches released for versions 6.5.382, 7.0.344, and 7.5.1.105, which address the improper file permission issues. System administrators should also review and harden file permissions for Retrospect installation directories, ensuring that only authorized users and processes can modify core executable files. Additionally, implementing application whitelisting policies and regular security audits of backup software installations can help detect and prevent unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of proper access control mechanisms and the principle of least privilege in system security, particularly for software that handles sensitive data and system-level operations. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions to detect suspicious file modification activities in backup software directories, as this vulnerability could be exploited as part of broader attack campaigns targeting enterprise backup infrastructure.