CVE-2017-17417 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 Acknowledge 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-4228.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical remote code execution flaw in Quest NetVault Backup version 11.3.0.12 that exposes systems to unauthorized exploitation without requiring authentication credentials. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the NVBUPhaseStatus Acknowledge method implementation, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows remote adversaries to inject malicious payloads directly into the database layer. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes user-supplied strings during SQL query construction, bypassing essential security controls that should validate and sanitize all external inputs before they are processed.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with common SQL injection attack patterns and maps directly to CWE-89, which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to manipulate the underlying database through carefully crafted input that gets directly incorporated into SQL statements without proper sanitization. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where the NVBUPhaseStatus Acknowledge method fails to implement adequate parameter validation or input filtering mechanisms, allowing malicious data to propagate through the system's data processing pipeline.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Quest NetVault Backup for their data protection infrastructure. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary code within the database context, potentially gaining access to sensitive backup data, compromising system integrity, or escalating privileges to gain broader network access. The remote exploit capability means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network security controls less effective against this specific threat. The lack of authentication requirements further amplifies the severity, as no privileged access is needed to initiate the attack vector.
The exploitation of this vulnerability follows established attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly aligning with techniques involving command and control communications and privilege escalation through database manipulation. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to backup systems, and deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious database activity. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software version and ensure that proper input validation controls are implemented across all database interaction points. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in preventing injection attacks and highlights the necessity of following secure coding practices that prevent unauthorized code execution through database interfaces.