CVE-2008-5407 in Backup Exec
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in the Backup Exec remote-agent logon process in Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers 11.0 (aka 11d) builds 6235 and 7170, 12.0 build 1364, and 12.5 build 2213 allow remote attackers to bypass authentication, and read or delete files, via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-5407 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Symantec Backup Exec's remote agent logon process. This issue affects multiple versions of the backup software including Backup Exec 11.0 builds 6235 and 7170, 12.0 build 1364, and 12.5 build 2213, making it a widespread concern across several generations of the software. The vulnerability resides in the remote agent logon mechanism that handles authentication requests from backup clients to the central backup server, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to backup operations and data.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from unspecified flaws within the authentication process that enable remote attackers to circumvent the standard security controls designed to verify user credentials. This authentication bypass allows adversaries to gain unauthorized access to the backup system with elevated privileges, potentially enabling them to perform operations that should be restricted to authorized personnel. The flaw specifically impacts the remote agent logon functionality, which is critical for distributed backup operations where backup agents run on remote servers and communicate with the central backup server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it provides attackers with the ability to not only bypass authentication but also to read and delete files within the backup environment. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Symantec Backup Exec for their data protection infrastructure, as unauthorized access to backup systems can lead to data loss, data exposure, and potential system compromise. The ability to delete files through this vulnerability could result in complete data destruction or the removal of critical backup copies, while reading access could expose sensitive information stored in backup repositories. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in system security.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates, implementing network segmentation to restrict access to backup servers, and reviewing access controls to ensure only authorized personnel can interact with backup systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and credential access tactics, as attackers can leverage the authentication bypass to gain elevated system access. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious authentication attempts, implementing strong network access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of backup infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the potential consequences of unpatched authentication flaws in enterprise backup systems.