CVE-2015-4067 in NetVault Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the libnv6 module in Dell NetVault Backup before 10.0.5 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted template string specifiers in a serialized object, which triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/19/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-4067 represents a critical security flaw within Dell NetVault Backup software, specifically in the libnv6 module that governs the handling of serialized objects. This issue stems from an integer overflow condition that occurs when processing template string specifiers within serialized data structures. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 10.0.5 of the NetVault Backup solution, making a significant portion of deployed systems susceptible to exploitation. The integer overflow manifests during the parsing of crafted template specifiers, which are typically used to define formatting parameters for data serialization processes within the backup infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages heap-based buffer overflow conditions that arise from the improper handling of integer values during object deserialization. When maliciously crafted template string specifiers are processed, the integer overflow causes subsequent buffer operations to allocate insufficient memory space for data storage, leading to memory corruption. This memory corruption occurs within the heap memory management system of the libnv6 module, where the overflowed integer value influences the size calculation for buffer allocation. The resulting heap-based buffer overflow creates opportunities for attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations with malicious payloads, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution within the context of the NetVault Backup service.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-4067 extends beyond simple code execution capabilities, as it represents a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over network connections without requiring authentication. This characteristic places organizations at significant risk since attackers can leverage this vulnerability from external networks to compromise backup servers and storage infrastructure. The attack vector specifically targets the serialization mechanisms used within NetVault Backup, which are critical components for backup operations and data management. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the software face potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of backup services that could result in extended recovery times and data loss incidents. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-190, which describes integer overflow conditions that can lead to buffer overflows, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute arbitrary commands on compromised systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-4067 primarily focus on immediate software updates and patches provided by Dell to address the integer overflow condition in the libnv6 module. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to Dell NetVault Backup version 10.0.5 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to NetVault Backup services, applying firewall rules to restrict communication with backup servers, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious serialized object transfers. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed template string specifiers and other indicators of exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices in serialization libraries and demonstrates how seemingly minor integer handling issues can result in critical security consequences, making regular security assessments and code reviews essential for maintaining robust backup infrastructure security.