CVE-2008-2241 in BrightStor ARCServe Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in caloggerd in CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup 11.0, 11.1, and 11.5 allows remote attackers to append arbitrary data to arbitrary files via directory traversal sequences in unspecified input fields, which are used in log messages. NOTE: this can be leveraged for code execution in many installation environments by writing to a startup file or configuration file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/10/2019
The CVE-2008-2241 vulnerability represents a critical directory traversal flaw within CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup versions 11.0, 11.1, and 11.5 that exposes the system to remote exploitation through improper input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability specifically affects the caloggerd component which handles logging operations and processes user-supplied data that flows into log messages without adequate sanitization or validation. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate file paths through crafted directory traversal sequences in unspecified input fields, allowing them to write arbitrary data to any file within the system's filesystem. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely without authentication, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where backup systems are accessible from external networks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization practices within the logging subsystem of the backup software. When the caloggerd process receives data through unspecified input fields, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before incorporating it into log messages that may eventually be written to disk. This lack of proper input filtering creates opportunities for attackers to inject directory traversal sequences such as ../ or ..\ that can navigate outside of intended directories and target system files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 as a Directory Traversal Attack, which specifically addresses improper restriction of pathname characters or sequences that can cause a program to access or modify files outside of its intended scope. The attack vector operates through the application's logging functionality, making it a classic example of how seemingly innocuous features can become attack surfaces when proper security controls are absent.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple data manipulation, as it provides attackers with the capability to execute arbitrary code within the target environment. By leveraging the directory traversal functionality, adversaries can write malicious content to critical system files such as startup scripts, configuration files, or executable binaries that are processed during system initialization or normal operation. This enables attackers to achieve persistent access and potentially escalate privileges within the compromised environment, particularly in installations where the backup software runs with elevated privileges. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as successful exploitation can lead to code execution through legitimate system processes and potentially enable attackers to maintain long-term access to the compromised system. Organizations using affected versions of CA BrightStor ARCServe Backup face significant risk of unauthorized system compromise, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-2241 should focus on immediate patch application and comprehensive input validation implementation. Organizations must prioritize applying vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the directory traversal vulnerability in the caloggerd component. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of backup systems to untrusted networks can significantly reduce exploitation risk. Security administrators should consider implementing input validation at multiple layers including application-level filtering, network-based intrusion prevention systems, and regular security assessments of backup infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper secure coding practices and input sanitization, as highlighted in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST Cybersecurity Framework guidelines. System hardening measures including restricting file system permissions, implementing least privilege principles for backup service accounts, and conducting regular security audits of backup configurations can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file system activity and unauthorized modifications to critical system files that could indicate exploitation attempts.