CVE-2012-2290 in NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications
Summary
by MITRE
The client in EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications (NMM) 2.2.1, 2.3 before build 122, and 2.4 before build 375 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code by sending a crafted message over a TCP communication channel.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/19/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-2290 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the EMC NetWorker Module for Microsoft Applications NMM version 2.2.1 and affected 2.3 and 2.4 releases. This security weakness resides in the client component of the backup and recovery software that integrates with Microsoft application environments, specifically targeting the TCP communication channel used for client-server interactions. The flaw enables attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code on systems running vulnerable versions of the NMM client software, potentially compromising entire backup infrastructures and the underlying Microsoft application environments they protect.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the NMM client's TCP message processing mechanism. When the client receives network communication over TCP, it fails to properly validate the structure and content of incoming messages, creating a pathway for malicious actors to craft specially formatted packets that trigger buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions. This type of vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-787, which addresses out-of-bounds writes in heap-based buffers. The attack vector specifically leverages network-based communication channels without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for environments where network access is not strictly controlled.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration within backup environments. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to backup systems, potentially modifying backup configurations, accessing sensitive backup data, or using the compromised client as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network. The NMM client serves as a critical component in Microsoft application backup strategies, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations relying on EMC NetWorker for their data protection infrastructure. This flaw directly impacts the integrity and availability of backup operations, potentially leading to catastrophic data loss scenarios where backup systems become compromised rather than serving as protective mechanisms.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including network segmentation to restrict access to the NMM client communication ports, applying the vendor patches released for versions 2.3 build 122 and 2.4 build 375, and implementing network monitoring to detect anomalous TCP traffic patterns. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1210, which describes exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreters. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify crafted TCP messages that could indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running vulnerable versions of the NMM client and ensure proper network access controls are in place to limit exposure to this remote code execution vulnerability.