CVE-2011-1421 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE
EMC NetWorker 7.5.x before 7.5.4.3 and 7.6.x before 7.6.1.5, when the client push feature is enabled, uses weak permissions for an unspecified file, which allows local users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1421 affects EMC NetWorker versions prior to specific patch levels, creating a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of the system's privilege management mechanisms. This issue manifests specifically when the client push feature is enabled, a functionality designed to automatically deploy client software to target systems. The vulnerability stems from the improper configuration of file permissions within the NetWorker client push implementation, creating a scenario where local users can exploit weak access controls to escalate their privileges. The unspecified file in question likely contains sensitive operational data or executable components that should normally be restricted to authorized system processes or administrators. This weakness represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege, where unnecessary access permissions are granted to system components that should remain protected from local user interference.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves local users leveraging the weak file permissions to manipulate system resources that would normally require elevated privileges. This type of privilege escalation typically occurs when a file or directory has overly permissive access controls, allowing unauthorized users to modify or execute code with higher privileges than initially granted. The client push feature itself is designed to facilitate automated client deployment, but the implementation flaw creates an attack surface where local users can potentially access or modify critical system files. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper file permissions, and represents a classic example of inadequate access control implementation. The weak permissions likely grant write or execute access to files that should only be accessible by system administrators or specific privileged processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it can potentially allow local users to gain unauthorized access to system resources and potentially compromise the integrity of the entire NetWorker environment. When local users can escalate privileges through weak file permissions, they may gain access to sensitive backup data, system configuration files, or operational components that could be used to disrupt services or extract confidential information. The implications are particularly severe in enterprise environments where NetWorker is used for critical data protection operations, as this vulnerability could allow malicious insiders or compromised local accounts to undermine backup security measures. The attack vector becomes more dangerous when considering that the vulnerability is present in client push functionality, which is often enabled in production environments for automated deployment purposes, making the exploit surface more accessible and persistent.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor patches released for EMC NetWorker versions 7.5.4.3 and 7.6.1.5, which address the weak file permission issues. System administrators should also review and tighten file permissions on NetWorker client push components, ensuring that only authorized processes have access to sensitive files. The remediation process should include disabling client push functionality when not actively required, as this reduces the attack surface. Additionally, implementing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file access or modifications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and highlights the need for regular security assessments of automated deployment features. Organizations should consider implementing the principle of least privilege more rigorously across all system components, particularly those with automated deployment capabilities, to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. The vulnerability also underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate access control weaknesses that could be exploited by local users.