CVE-2017-17656 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 JobList 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-4292.
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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 enables remote code execution without authentication requirements. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NVBUBackup JobList method implementation, creating a dangerous condition where user-supplied data directly influences database query construction. The absence of proper sanitization mechanisms allows malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands through carefully crafted requests, potentially compromising the entire database infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a classic SQL injection pattern where the application fails to properly escape or parameterize user input before incorporating it into SQL statements. When the JobList method processes incoming requests, it accepts user-supplied strings without adequate validation, enabling attackers to manipulate the underlying database queries. This flaw maps directly to CWE-89 which categorizes improper neutralization of special elements used in SQL commands as a fundamental security weakness. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft since successful exploitation can lead to complete database compromise and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to organizations relying on Quest NetVault Backup for their data protection needs. The fact that no authentication is required for exploitation means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without needing valid credentials. This characteristic significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the time required for successful exploitation. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute code in the context of the database user account, potentially enabling them to escalate privileges, extract sensitive backup data, modify database contents, or even establish persistence mechanisms within the backup infrastructure. The ZDI-CAN-4292 reference indicates this vulnerability was recognized by the Zero Day Initiative and received proper coordination for responsible disclosure.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches or updates as soon as they become available. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious SQL injection patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and parameterized queries in preventing database-related attacks. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and database activity monitoring solutions can provide additional layers of defense. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage and T1046 for network service scanning, while the exploitation techniques fall under T1059.008 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other backup systems and database applications within their environment, as this type of flaw often indicates broader architectural weaknesses in input handling mechanisms.