CVE-2017-17419 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 NVBUTransferHistory 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-4230.
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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 NVBUTransferHistory Get method implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate database queries through crafted user-supplied strings. The absence of proper sanitization mechanisms allows attackers to inject malicious SQL commands that are then executed within the database context, potentially enabling full system compromise. This type of vulnerability falls under the CWE-89 category for SQL Injection, which is classified as a high-severity issue in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog and represents a fundamental flaw in input validation and query construction practices.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation enables attackers to execute arbitrary code within the database environment with the privileges of the database user account. This could lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the backup infrastructure. The vulnerability's remote exploitability without authentication makes it particularly dangerous as it can be targeted by automated scanning tools and unauthenticated attackers. Organizations using Quest NetVault Backup systems are at risk of unauthorized access to their backup data and potentially the entire network infrastructure that relies on these backup solutions for disaster recovery operations.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches or updates that address the SQL injection vulnerability in the NVBUTransferHistory Get method. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict access to backup systems, particularly limiting exposure of the affected service ports to trusted networks only. Database query parameterization should be enforced throughout the application code to prevent similar issues from occurring in other components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Organizations should also consider implementing database activity monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect anomalous SQL query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while maintaining regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses across their infrastructure.