CVE-2017-17412 in NetVault Backup
Summary
by MITRE
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable installations of Quest NetVault Backup 11.3.0.12. Authentication is not required to exploit this vulnerability. The specific flaw exists within the handling of GET method requests. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of a user-supplied string before using it to construct SQL queries. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of the underlying database. Was ZDI-CAN-4223.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
This vulnerability in Quest NetVault Backup version 11.3.0.12 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that operates without requiring any authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the application's processing of HTTP GET method requests, creating an exploitable condition that allows attackers to inject malicious payloads directly into the system's database layer. The flaw specifically manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize user-supplied strings before incorporating them into SQL query construction processes, effectively creating a path for arbitrary code execution within the database context. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is incorporated into database queries without proper validation or sanitization. The absence of authentication requirements significantly amplifies the risk, as any remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without needing valid credentials or prior access to the system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of GET request parameters that are subsequently processed by the application's database layer. When an attacker crafts malicious input strings and submits them via HTTP GET requests, the application's insufficient validation allows these inputs to be directly incorporated into SQL queries. This creates a scenario where the attacker can manipulate the database query structure to execute arbitrary commands, effectively gaining control over the underlying database operations. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as it enables full database-level code execution, potentially allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete sensitive data, escalate privileges, or even compromise the entire database server infrastructure. This type of attack vector aligns with ATT&CK technique T1075 which describes the use of legitimate credentials to access systems, though in this case the vulnerability eliminates the need for legitimate credentials entirely.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations using Quest NetVault Backup 11.3.0.12, as it creates an immediate and significant security risk that can be exploited by any remote attacker. Organizations may face data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory compliance violations if this vulnerability is not addressed promptly. The database-level execution capability means that attackers could potentially access sensitive backup data, modify backup configurations, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point to attack other systems within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that organizations cannot rely on network segmentation or firewall rules as sufficient protection, since the attack can be launched from any location on the internet. Security teams must also consider that this vulnerability may have been actively exploited in the wild prior to its disclosure, potentially leaving organizations with unknown compromise indicators or persistent backdoors within their backup infrastructure.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the SQL injection vulnerability in the NetVault Backup application. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though these should not be relied upon as the primary mitigation strategy. The most effective immediate response involves disabling unnecessary HTTP GET request handling or implementing strict input validation at the application level to prevent user-supplied strings from being incorporated into database queries without proper sanitization. System administrators should also conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential compromise indicators and implement monitoring for unusual database activity patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Long-term security improvements should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation frameworks, regular security code reviews, and adherence to secure coding practices that prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in future versions of the software.