CVE-2012-4607 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in nsrindexd in EMC NetWorker 7.5.x and 7.6.x before 7.6.5, and 8.x before 8.0.0.6, allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted SunRPC data.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-4607 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nsrindexd service component of EMC NetWorker software versions 7.5.x through 7.6.x prior to 7.6.5, and also affecting version 8.x before 8.0.0.6. This issue specifically targets the SunRPC processing functionality that handles network requests for index data management within the NetWorker environment. The flaw exists in the way the service processes incoming RPC requests, where insufficient bounds checking allows maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations beyond the intended buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of SunRPC data packets sent to the affected nsrindexd service. When the service receives malformed RPC data containing oversized payloads or improperly structured parameters, the buffer overflow condition is triggered. This allows remote attackers to overwrite critical memory locations including return addresses, function pointers, or other control data structures within the process memory space. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which directly enables arbitrary code execution capabilities for attackers who can successfully exploit the flaw.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on EMC NetWorker for backup and recovery operations, as it allows remote code execution without authentication. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the nsrindexd service typically operates on standard network ports, making it accessible to external threat actors. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the backup infrastructure. The impact extends beyond individual systems to potentially affect entire backup networks and data protection strategies.
The attack pattern associated with this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1203, which covers exploitation of remote services, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreters. Attackers can leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to backup servers and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of EMC NetWorker should immediately implement mitigations including patching to versions 7.6.5 or 8.0.0.6, network segmentation of backup services, and implementation of network monitoring to detect suspicious RPC traffic patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches for enterprise backup solutions, as these systems often contain sensitive data and operate with elevated privileges within network environments.