CVE-2017-17418 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 NVBUPolicy 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-4229.
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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 exposes systems to remote code execution without requiring authentication. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NVBUPolicy Get method implementation, creating a dangerous attack vector that allows malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user-supplied strings. The absence of proper sanitization mechanisms means that attacker-controlled data can be directly incorporated into SQL command construction, fundamentally compromising the integrity of the database layer.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where the attacker crafts malicious input that bypasses normal validation checks and gets executed as part of the database query. This particular flaw falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data extraction to full code execution within the database context, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to sensitive backup data and system resources.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Quest NetVault Backup systems, as it eliminates the need for authentication credentials to achieve remote code execution. Attackers can leverage this weakness to inject malicious SQL commands that may result in data theft, system compromise, or complete service disruption. The vulnerability affects the database layer directly, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to backup repositories containing critical organizational data. Organizations with multiple backup servers or distributed backup environments face heightened risk, as this vulnerability could potentially be chained with other exploits to achieve broader system compromise.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application from Quest Software, as this vulnerability was identified and addressed through the ZDI-CAN-4229 advisory. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to backup server ports and services, particularly limiting exposure to untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened at all application layers, with proper parameterized queries replacing dynamic SQL construction. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other backup systems and database applications. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining comprehensive backup strategies to ensure data recovery capabilities even in compromised environments.