CVE-2016-0906 in Avamar
Summary
by MITRE
The web-restore interface in Avamar Data Store (ADS) and Avamar Virtual Edition (AVE) in EMC Avamar through 7.1.2 and 7.2.x through 7.2.1 allows remote authenticated users to read or delete directories via a Linux backup-restore operation.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/26/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0906 affects EMC Avamar Data Store and Avamar Virtual Edition systems, specifically targeting the web-restore interface component. This issue represents a critical authorization flaw that enables remote authenticated attackers to perform unauthorized directory operations within the backup and restore infrastructure. The affected versions span across Avamar Data Store 7.1.2 and Avamar Virtual Edition 7.2.1, making it a widespread concern for organizations utilizing these data protection platforms. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the web-based restore interface, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit legitimate authentication credentials for unauthorized data manipulation.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of directory paths and access permissions during Linux backup-restore operations. When authenticated users interact with the web-restore interface, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the directory paths specified during restore operations, allowing attackers to navigate beyond their intended scope. This weakness can be exploited to read files from directories that should be restricted to authorized personnel only, or to delete directories that contain sensitive backup data. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Linux backup-restore functionality, indicating that the flaw is rooted in how the system processes file system operations through the web interface rather than in core backup engine components. The issue aligns with CWE-22, which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it can lead to complete data compromise and system integrity violations within Avamar environments. Remote authenticated attackers with valid credentials can leverage this flaw to access backup data that they should not be authorized to view or modify, potentially exposing sensitive organizational information stored in backup repositories. The ability to delete directories through this interface creates additional risk of data loss and system disruption, as attackers could systematically remove backup sets or critical directory structures. Organizations relying on Avamar for their data protection strategies face significant operational risks, as this vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of their backup infrastructure. The impact is particularly severe in environments where backup systems contain sensitive data, intellectual property, or regulated information subject to compliance requirements such as those outlined in iso 27001 or pci dss standards.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-0906 should focus on immediate patch deployment from EMC, as the vendor likely released security updates addressing the path traversal vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to restrict access to the Avamar web-restore interface, limiting exposure to trusted network zones only. Access control measures must be strengthened through role-based permissions and principle of least privilege enforcement, ensuring that users only receive the minimum necessary access rights for their operational requirements. Regular security audits of backup systems should include verification of path traversal protections and access controls within web interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and access control testing in web applications, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1213 for data from information repositories and T1078 for valid accounts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring and logging of restore operations to detect anomalous directory access patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining compliance with security frameworks that require comprehensive access control and audit capabilities.