CVE-2017-17416 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 GetPlugins 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-4227.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
The CVE-2017-17416 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. This vulnerability resides within the NVBUPhaseStatus GetPlugins method implementation, where the software fails to properly validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into SQL query construction. The absence of input sanitization creates a direct pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database operations through crafted payloads. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection weaknesses where untrusted data is improperly integrated into database commands. This flaw operates at the application layer and demonstrates a classic insecure direct object reference pattern that enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and directly manipulate backend database operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker sends specially crafted requests to the vulnerable NetVault Backup service through the NVBUPhaseStatus GetPlugins endpoint. The system processes these requests without adequate input validation, allowing malicious SQL fragments to be appended to the constructed database queries. This injection allows attackers to execute arbitrary database commands with the privileges of the database user account under which the NetVault service operates. The impact extends beyond simple data manipulation as the attacker can potentially escalate privileges, extract sensitive information, modify database contents, or even execute operating system commands if the database user has sufficient permissions. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that no authentication is required, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the backup service is accessible over networks without proper firewall restrictions.
From an operational standpoint, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Quest NetVault Backup for their data protection infrastructure. The remote code execution capability means that attackers can compromise backup systems without physical access or legitimate credentials, potentially gaining access to critical backup data and infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not applied the vendor's security patches, leaving their backup environments exposed to automated scanning and exploitation. The impact extends to business continuity as compromised backup systems can prevent organizations from recovering data during actual disasters. This vulnerability also increases the attack surface for lateral movement within networks, as backup systems often contain sensitive organizational data and may be accessible from multiple network segments. The lack of authentication requirements means that this vulnerability can be exploited by any network entity that can reach the affected service, making it particularly dangerous in cloud environments or poorly secured network configurations.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability including immediate patching of affected systems to address the SQL injection flaw in the NVBUPhaseStatus GetPlugins method. Network segmentation should be enforced to limit access to backup services to only authorized administrative systems and users. Regular security assessments should include scanning for unpatched backup systems and vulnerable endpoints. The implementation of web application firewalls and database activity monitoring can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should review and restrict network access to backup services, ensuring that only necessary administrative systems can communicate with these services. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1071.004 for application layer protocol usage and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Regular security awareness training should emphasize the importance of keeping backup infrastructure updated and monitoring for unusual database activity. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper input validation and parameterized queries in all database interactions to prevent similar issues in other applications.