CVE-2016-4899 in DataCenter
Summary
by MITRE
The datamover module in the Linux version of NovaBACKUP DataCenter before 09.06.03.0353 is vulnerable to remote command execution via unspecified attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4899 represents a critical remote command execution flaw within the datamover module of NovaBACKUP DataCenter for Linux systems. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 09.06.03.0353 and exposes systems to potential exploitation by malicious actors who can leverage unspecified attack vectors to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. The datamover module serves as a critical component responsible for data transfer operations within the backup infrastructure, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the datamover module's processing mechanisms. Attackers can potentially manipulate the module through crafted inputs that are not properly filtered or validated, leading to the execution of malicious commands with the privileges of the affected service. This type of vulnerability typically falls under the CWE-78 category of Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in OS Command Injection, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The unspecified attack vectors suggest that multiple entry points or methods of exploitation may exist, potentially including network-based attacks, authentication bypasses, or manipulation of configuration parameters that interact with the datamover functionality.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to backup systems and potentially compromise the entire backup infrastructure. Organizations relying on NovaBACKUP DataCenter for critical data protection may face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and disruption of backup operations that could lead to extended recovery times during actual disaster scenarios. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where backup systems often contain sensitive corporate data, user credentials, and critical business information. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, install backdoors, or use the compromised system as a launch point for further attacks within the network infrastructure, aligning with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 09.06.03.0353 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization measures to prevent command injection attacks. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and enforce strict access controls using the principle of least privilege. Additional security measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing intrusion detection systems, and conducting regular security assessments of backup infrastructure components. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary services, implementing strong authentication mechanisms, and establishing regular security audits to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other backup and data protection tools. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining current security patches and following secure coding practices in enterprise backup solutions to prevent exploitation of critical infrastructure components.