CVE-2016-7171 in NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup
Summary
by MITRE
NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup prior to version 2.0.1 makes use of a non-unique server certificate, making it vulnerable to impersonation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-7171 affects the NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup software, specifically versions prior to 2.0.1, and represents a critical security flaw in the authentication and encryption mechanisms used for secure communications. This issue stems from the use of a non-unique server certificate within the plug-in's implementation, which fundamentally undermines the integrity of the secure communication channel between the NetApp storage systems and the Symantec NetBackup environment. The vulnerability creates a scenario where an attacker can potentially impersonate legitimate server components, thereby compromising the confidentiality and authenticity of backup operations.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of SSL/TLS certificate management within the NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup. When a server certificate lacks uniqueness, it means that the same certificate or certificate key material is used across multiple systems or instances, eliminating the cryptographic guarantee that each endpoint possesses a distinct and unique identifier. This flaw directly maps to CWE-310, which addresses cryptographic issues related to weak or predictable cryptographic keys, and specifically targets the weakness of using non-unique certificates in secure communications. The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attacks where an adversary can intercept and potentially modify backup data flows, as the authentication mechanism fails to properly verify the identity of communicating parties.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple authentication failures and encompasses significant risks to backup data integrity and system security. Organizations utilizing affected versions of the NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup face potential data breaches where backup data could be intercepted, modified, or exfiltrated during transmission between storage systems and backup servers. The vulnerability also creates opportunities for privilege escalation attacks, as attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to backup operations and manipulate backup schedules or restore points. From an attacker's perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves phishing attacks targeting credentials, but in this case the attack vector involves certificate-based impersonation rather than credential theft. The compromised authentication mechanism could allow attackers to establish persistent access to backup infrastructure, potentially leading to extended periods of undetected data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-7171 require immediate patching of the NetApp Plug-in for Symantec NetBackup to version 2.0.1 or later, which addresses the certificate uniqueness issue through proper implementation of unique server certificates for each installation. Organizations should also implement certificate monitoring procedures to detect and prevent the reuse of certificates across different systems. Network segmentation and additional authentication layers should be considered as defensive measures while awaiting patch deployment. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper certificate lifecycle management and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws in cryptographic systems can lead to significant security risks. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their backup infrastructure to identify any other instances where non-unique certificates might be in use, particularly in environments where multiple backup systems communicate with centralized storage solutions. Regular security audits should include verification of certificate uniqueness and proper cryptographic implementation to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments.