CVE-2013-0940 in NetWorker
Summary
by MITRE
The nsrpush process in the client in EMC NetWorker before 7.6.5.3 and 8.x before 8.0.1.4 sets weak permissions for unspecified files, which allows local users to gain privileges via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/02/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0940 affects the nsrpush process within EMC NetWorker client software, representing a privilege escalation weakness that has persisted across multiple versions including those prior to 7.6.5.3 and 8.x prior to 8.0.1.4. This flaw resides in the client-side component of the NetWorker backup and recovery solution, which is widely deployed in enterprise environments for data protection and disaster recovery operations. The nsrpush process specifically handles network push operations for backup jobs, making it a critical component in the backup infrastructure that requires careful security consideration. The vulnerability stems from improper file permission settings that create opportunities for local attackers to exploit system privileges through unspecified vectors that remain undisclosed in the initial CVE description.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes improper permission assignment for critical system resources, and represents a classic case of insecure default permissions that can be leveraged for privilege escalation. The weak file permissions set by the nsrpush process create potential attack surfaces where local users can manipulate system files or resources that should be restricted to privileged operations. This type of vulnerability typically manifests when system processes create temporary files, configuration objects, or communication channels without establishing appropriate access controls. The unspecified vectors mentioned in the description suggest that attackers could potentially exploit this weakness through various methods including file replacement, symbolic link manipulation, or direct file system access depending on the specific implementation details of how these weak permissions are applied.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents significant security risks to organizations using EMC NetWorker, particularly in environments where local user access is not strictly controlled or where privilege separation is not properly enforced. The ability to gain privileges through local means can lead to complete system compromise, especially when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors within the broader network infrastructure. Attackers who can execute local code or gain access to systems with the affected NetWorker client could potentially escalate their privileges to system-level access, allowing them to modify backup configurations, access sensitive data, or even disable backup operations to create conditions for data loss or ransomware attacks. The impact is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup systems are often given elevated privileges to perform their functions, creating potential for cascading security failures.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability requires immediate patching of affected EMC NetWorker installations to versions 7.6.5.3 or 8.0.1.4 and later, which contain the necessary permission fixes for the nsrpush process. System administrators should conduct comprehensive inventory checks to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patch deployment across the enterprise environment. Additionally, organizations should implement monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts through unusual file system access patterns or privilege escalation activities. Security controls should include regular permission audits of backup client processes, implementation of least privilege principles for backup operations, and enhanced logging of file system activities related to backup processes. This vulnerability also demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in backup and recovery systems, as these components often require elevated privileges to function correctly but must not expose unnecessary attack surfaces. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation techniques, specifically focusing on permissions and access control weaknesses that can be exploited to gain higher-level system access. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security measures such as file integrity monitoring, privileged access management solutions, and regular security assessments of backup infrastructure to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.