CVE-2017-17414 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 NVBUPhaseStatus 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-4225.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
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 exposes systems to remote code execution without requiring authentication. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the NVBUPhaseStatus Get method implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user-supplied strings. The absence of proper sanitization allows attackers to inject arbitrary SQL commands that execute within the database context, potentially leading to full system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is incorporated into SQL commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft as it provides attackers with database-level execution privileges that can be leveraged for lateral movement within networks. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can potentially access sensitive backup data, modify database contents, or escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the backup infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication makes it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted by automated scanning tools and exploited at scale. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, as attackers would likely first identify the vulnerable service before executing their payload.
Organizations running Quest NetVault Backup 11.3.0.12 should prioritize immediate remediation through official vendor patches or updates. The mitigation strategy should include network segmentation to limit access to backup services, implementing proper firewall rules to restrict exposure, and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems. Additionally, database activity monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in database interactions and highlights the need for robust security practices in backup and recovery systems that often contain sensitive organizational data. Organizations should also implement principle of least privilege for database accounts and regularly review access controls to minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities.