CVE-2017-14355 in Connected Backup
Summary
by MITRE
A potential security vulnerability has been identified in HPE Connected Backup versions 8.6 and 8.8.6. The vulnerability could be exploited locally to allow escalation of privilege.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-14355 represents a critical privilege escalation flaw within HPE Connected Backup software versions 8.6 and 8.8.6. This security weakness exists at the system level and specifically targets the local execution environment where the backup software operates. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls and improper privilege management within the application's codebase, creating an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized local users to elevate their system privileges. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user permissions during critical operations, enabling a malicious actor with local access to leverage the software's legitimate administrative functions for unauthorized privilege elevation.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves improper handling of system calls and privilege contexts within the backup software's execution flow. When the application processes certain administrative commands or performs system-level operations, it does not adequately verify whether the executing user possesses the necessary elevated privileges. This design flaw creates a path where a local user can manipulate the application's behavior to execute commands with higher privileges than initially granted. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-276, which addresses improper privilege management, and represents a classic example of insufficient privilege checking in software applications. Attackers can exploit this condition by crafting specific inputs or sequences that trigger the application's privilege escalation pathways, effectively bypassing the normal operating system security mechanisms.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-14355 extends beyond simple local privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the system. Once privilege elevation is achieved, attackers can access sensitive system resources, modify critical files, install malicious software, or exfiltrate confidential data. The vulnerability affects organizations using HPE Connected Backup in enterprise environments where local access might be compromised through various attack vectors such as phishing, credential theft, or physical access. This type of vulnerability particularly threatens environments where backup systems contain sensitive operational data, as the elevated privileges could enable attackers to manipulate backup processes or access backup repositories containing valuable information. The impact is further amplified when considering that backup systems often run with elevated privileges to perform their functions, making them attractive targets for privilege escalation attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-14355 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. Organizations must apply the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the privilege escalation vulnerability in HPE Connected Backup versions 8.6 and 8.8.6. Additionally, implementing the principle of least privilege for backup software execution can significantly reduce the attack surface. System administrators should review and restrict local user access to backup applications, ensuring that only authorized personnel have the necessary privileges to interact with the software. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be deployed to detect suspicious activities related to backup system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper software security testing and adherence to secure coding practices, particularly around privilege management and access control implementation. Organizations should also consider implementing behavioral monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous privilege escalation attempts within their systems, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1068 which covers exploit for privilege escalation. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should include evaluation of backup and recovery systems, as these components often represent overlooked security gaps in enterprise environments.