CVE-2011-0923 in Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
The client in HP Data Protector does not properly validate EXEC_CMD arguments, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary Perl code via a crafted command, related to the "local bin directory."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/24/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0923 resides within HP Data Protector's client component, specifically in how it processes EXEC_CMD arguments. This flaw represents a classic command injection vulnerability that stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms. The issue manifests when the client application fails to properly sanitize or validate command parameters passed through the EXEC_CMD interface, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary Perl code into the system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the context of the local bin directory, which typically contains executable scripts and binaries that are trusted by the system. This privileged location amplifies the potential impact of the vulnerability, as successful exploitation could allow attackers to execute code with the privileges of the Data Protector client process. The flaw essentially allows remote attackers to bypass normal security controls and execute unauthorized commands on systems running the vulnerable HP Data Protector client software.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a command injection pattern that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94, both of which address improper validation of command line arguments and the execution of untrusted code. Attackers can craft malicious EXEC_CMD arguments that contain Perl code, which then gets executed by the Data Protector client without proper validation. This type of vulnerability falls under the broader category of code injection attacks, where input data is interpreted and executed as code rather than being treated as data. The local bin directory context is particularly significant because it often contains scripts that are executed with elevated privileges, making the potential impact of code execution much more severe. The vulnerability demonstrates a failure in input sanitization and validation that allows attackers to manipulate the command execution flow, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0923 extends beyond simple code execution, as it can enable attackers to gain persistent access to systems and escalate privileges within the Data Protector environment. This vulnerability can be leveraged to execute malicious payloads that may include backdoors, data exfiltration tools, or additional exploitation modules. The attack surface is particularly wide given that HP Data Protector is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where it manages critical backup and recovery operations. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate backup data, gain access to sensitive information, or disrupt backup operations that are essential for business continuity. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques such as command and scripting interpreter and execution of malicious code, potentially enabling lateral movement within networks where Data Protector clients are deployed. The vulnerability's remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not need physical access to systems and can target installations over network connections.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0923 should focus on both immediate patching and operational security improvements. The most effective solution involves applying the vendor-supplied security patches that address the input validation flaws in the EXEC_CMD processing. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Data Protector client installations and restrict communication to only trusted sources. Input validation controls should be strengthened at the application level to ensure that all EXEC_CMD arguments are properly sanitized before processing. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of principle of least privilege should be enforced to limit the execution privileges of Data Protector client processes. Additionally, regular security assessments of backup systems should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in related components. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can monitor for suspicious EXEC_CMD usage patterns and alert security teams to potential exploitation attempts.