CVE-2017-17413 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 NVBUBackupTargetSet 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 code in the context of the underlying database. Was ZDI-CAN-4224.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
This vulnerability represents a critical SQL injection flaw in Quest NetVault Backup version 11.3.0.12 that enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. The vulnerability resides in the NVBUBackupTargetSet Get method implementation where user-supplied input is inadequately validated before being incorporated into database queries. This fundamental security weakness allows attackers to manipulate the application's database interactions through crafted input parameters, potentially compromising the entire backup infrastructure. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the absence of authentication requirements, making it accessible to any remote attacker who can reach the affected system. The flaw directly maps to CWE-89 which defines improper neutralization of special elements used in an SQL command, a well-documented category that consistently leads to database compromise. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service discovery, as attackers would likely first identify the vulnerable service before exploiting the SQL injection.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends maliciously crafted requests to the NVBUBackupTargetSet Get method endpoint. The application processes these requests without adequate input sanitization, allowing specially crafted strings to be directly embedded into SQL query construction logic. This creates a scenario where database commands can be manipulated to execute arbitrary SQL statements, potentially leading to full database compromise. Attackers can leverage this to extract sensitive data, modify backup configurations, or escalate privileges within the database context. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to manipulate backup operations, potentially leading to data corruption or complete system compromise. The lack of authentication requirements means that any network-accessible system can be targeted, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where backup systems often contain sensitive operational data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations using Quest NetVault Backup 11.3.0.12, as it provides an unauthenticated path to database-level compromise. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to backup data, which often contains sensitive operational information, customer data, or system configurations. The vulnerability could enable attackers to modify backup schedules, alter backup targets, or even delete backup data, creating significant operational disruptions. Security teams would face challenges in detecting exploitation attempts since the vulnerability operates at the database layer, potentially evading traditional network monitoring solutions. The affected environment's exposure is particularly concerning given that backup systems typically maintain extensive historical data and often contain credentials or system information that can be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could remain undetected for extended periods, allowing attackers to establish long-term access to critical backup infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching of the affected Quest NetVault Backup version, as vendors would have released security updates addressing the SQL injection flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and apply strict firewall rules to restrict communication with the vulnerable service. Input validation and parameterized query usage should be enforced throughout the application to prevent similar issues in other components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments of backup infrastructure are essential to identify additional vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise backup systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in database interactions and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of enterprise backup solutions. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous SQL query execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The incident underscores the necessity of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the importance of validating all user inputs before processing them in database contexts.