CVE-2012-2288 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in the nsrd RPC service in EMC NetWorker 7.6.3 and 7.6.4 before 7.6.4.1, and 8.0 before 8.0.0.1, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in a message.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2025
The CVE-2012-2288 vulnerability represents a critical format string vulnerability within the nsrd RPC service of EMC NetWorker software versions 7.6.3 and 7.6.4 prior to 7.6.4.1, as well as versions 8.0 before 8.0.0.1. This flaw exists in the network-based remote procedure call service that handles backup and recovery operations for enterprise data protection systems. The vulnerability specifically affects the nsrd daemon which is responsible for managing client-server communications in the EMC NetWorker environment, making it a significant target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise backup infrastructure. The flaw stems from improper input validation within the RPC message processing code where user-supplied data containing format specifiers is directly processed without adequate sanitization or escaping mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when remote attackers send specially crafted RPC messages containing format string specifiers to the vulnerable nsrd service. These specifiers can manipulate the program's stack and memory layout, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the nsrd process. The vulnerability maps directly to CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of format strings without proper validation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and script injection. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed remotely without authentication, allowing attackers to gain unauthorized access to the backup server and potentially escalate privileges to system level access. The format string vulnerability enables attackers to read arbitrary memory locations, overwrite memory addresses, and ultimately execute malicious code within the context of the running nsrd service.
The operational impact of CVE-2012-2288 extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and confidentiality of enterprise backup environments. Organizations using affected EMC NetWorker versions face potential data breaches through backup system compromise, where attackers can access backup data, modify backup configurations, or even redirect backup operations to malicious targets. The vulnerability also poses risks to network infrastructure as the compromised nsrd service could be used as a pivot point for further attacks within the enterprise network. Security teams must consider that backup systems often contain sensitive data and are frequently overlooked in traditional security assessments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous. The impact is exacerbated by the fact that many organizations rely heavily on backup systems for disaster recovery, meaning a successful exploitation could result in complete data loss or prolonged system downtime.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement emergency patches provided by EMC to address the format string flaw in the nsrd RPC service. The recommended mitigation strategy includes applying the vendor-supplied security updates as soon as possible, which typically involve input validation improvements and proper format string handling within the affected code paths. Network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to the nsrd service ports, typically TCP 10000 and related RPC ports, restricting access to only trusted administrative systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems running older versions of EMC NetWorker software. Monitoring for suspicious RPC traffic patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems capable of identifying format string attack patterns can provide early warning of exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to ensure preparedness for potential backup system compromise scenarios, as this vulnerability could be used to establish persistent access to enterprise environments through compromised backup infrastructure.