CVE-2017-17655 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 NVBUBackup PluginList 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-4289.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/03/2020
This vulnerability in Quest NetVault Backup version 11.3.0.12 represents a critical remote code execution flaw that can be exploited without authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NVBUBackup PluginList method, which processes user-supplied data without proper sanitization before incorporating it into SQL query construction. This type of vulnerability falls under the common weakness enumeration CWE-89, which specifically addresses SQL injection flaws where untrusted data is directly included in database commands without proper validation or escaping mechanisms. The absence of authentication requirements significantly amplifies the threat surface, as any remote attacker can potentially exploit this weakness without needing valid credentials or prior access to the system.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate the PluginList method by supplying malicious input that gets processed into SQL commands executed against the underlying database. When the application fails to validate or sanitize the user-provided string before SQL query construction, it creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can alter the intended execution flow of database operations. This scenario enables the attacker to inject arbitrary SQL commands that can execute with the privileges of the database user account, potentially allowing full database access and manipulation. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to execute arbitrary code on the database server itself, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe for organizations using Quest NetVault Backup, as it provides a direct pathway for remote code execution that bypasses traditional authentication mechanisms. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, access sensitive backup data, modify or delete database records, and potentially establish persistent access to the underlying infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just the backup application but the entire database ecosystem, as successful exploitation can lead to data corruption, unauthorized access to backup repositories, and potential lateral movement within the network. Organizations that rely heavily on backup systems for disaster recovery and data protection face particular risk, as this vulnerability could compromise their entire backup strategy and data recovery capabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for Quest NetVault Backup version 11.3.0.12, which address the SQL injection vulnerability in the PluginList method. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the backup server to only trusted sources, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Database access controls should be reviewed and hardened to ensure that backup applications operate with minimal required privileges, and input validation should be strengthened across all application interfaces to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate other potential SQL injection vulnerabilities that may exist within the backup infrastructure and related systems. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service discovery, indicating potential lateral movement and reconnaissance activities that could follow initial exploitation.