CVE-2011-0922 in Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
The client in HP Data Protector allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary programs via an EXEC_SETUP command that references a UNC share pathname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0922 resides within HP Data Protector's client component, representing a critical security flaw that enables remote code execution through improper input validation. This issue specifically affects the EXEC_SETUP command functionality which processes UNC (Universal Naming Convention) share pathnames, creating an avenue for malicious actors to execute arbitrary programs on affected systems. The vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input parameters, particularly those related to network share references that are processed within the backup and recovery framework. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting specially formatted EXEC_SETUP commands that reference malicious UNC paths, potentially leading to unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the Data Protector client process.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves the manipulation of network share pathnames through the EXEC_SETUP command interface, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input before processing. When the Data Protector client receives a command containing a UNC path reference, it does not adequately verify the legitimacy of the share location or the integrity of the referenced resources. This lack of input validation creates a path traversal and command injection scenario where remote attackers can specify arbitrary network locations that may contain malicious executables or scripts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the client level, meaning that successful exploitation can occur without requiring elevated privileges on the target system, though the actual execution rights depend on the permissions of the Data Protector client process.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0922 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential data compromise, system infiltration, and lateral movement within network environments where HP Data Protector is deployed. Organizations utilizing this backup solution face significant risk as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to establish persistent access points, deploy malware, or escalate privileges within their protected environments. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of backup operations, potentially allowing attackers to modify backup processes or access sensitive data through the compromised client. Additionally, the attack surface is broadened as the vulnerability can be exploited from remote locations, making detection and prevention more challenging for security teams. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where Data Protector clients are widely deployed across multiple systems and network segments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0922 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP Data Protector installations, as this represents the most effective defense against exploitation. Organizations must ensure that all client systems are updated with the latest security patches provided by HP to address the input validation flaw. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to restrict communication between Data Protector clients and untrusted networks, particularly limiting access to the EXEC_SETUP command interface. Security monitoring should focus on detecting anomalous UNC path references and unusual EXEC_SETUP command usage patterns within network logs and system monitoring tools. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced for Data Protector client processes, ensuring that they operate with minimal required permissions to reduce potential impact from successful exploitation. Organizations should also consider disabling the EXEC_SETUP functionality if not essential to their backup operations, and implement network-level controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to the specific ports and protocols used by HP Data Protector services.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation, and represents a classic command injection scenario that maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting. The attack vector demonstrates characteristics consistent with lateral movement and privilege escalation tactics commonly employed in enterprise security breaches. The vulnerability also reflects broader security concerns related to network share handling and remote execution capabilities that have been extensively documented in security frameworks and threat intelligence reports. Organizations should integrate this vulnerability into their overall vulnerability management processes and security awareness training programs to prevent similar issues from occurring in other system components.