CVE-2017-12478 in Backup
Summary
by MITRE
It was discovered that the api/storage web interface in Unitrends Backup (UB) before 10.0.0 has an issue in which one of its input parameters was not validated. A remote attacker could use this flaw to bypass authentication and execute arbitrary commands with root privilege on the target system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-12478 affects Unitrends Backup versions prior to 10.0.0, specifically targeting the api/storage web interface component. This represents a critical security flaw that undermines the authentication mechanisms of the backup solution, creating a pathway for unauthorized remote exploitation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the web interface, allowing attackers to manipulate parameters and bypass the intended access controls. The flaw exists within the application's API endpoint handling, where a specific input parameter fails to undergo proper validation checks before being processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security. Attackers can exploit this by crafting malicious requests that manipulate the unvalidated parameter, potentially leading to command injection attacks. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that successful exploitation grants full administrative privileges on the target system, as the flaw allows execution of arbitrary commands with root privileges. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it enables attackers to execute system-level commands through the compromised interface.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-12478 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with complete control over the backup infrastructure. Organizations using affected Unitrends Backup versions face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or network-level credentials to achieve their objectives, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where backup systems often contain sensitive organizational data. The root privilege escalation aspect of this flaw allows attackers to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or completely disable backup operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability center on immediate patching of Unitrends Backup systems to version 10.0.0 or later, which contains the necessary input validation fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the api/storage interface to trusted networks only, reducing the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their backup infrastructure to identify similar validation issues in other components. The remediation process should include monitoring for suspicious API access patterns and implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Security teams must also review and update their incident response procedures to account for backup system compromises, as these environments often serve as critical targets for advanced persistent threats due to the sensitive nature of backed-up data.