CVE-2017-17657 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 TimeRange 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-4294.
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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 bypasses authentication requirements entirely. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the NVBUBackup TimeRange method implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject arbitrary SQL commands into the database layer. The flaw specifically manifests when the system processes user-supplied string parameters without adequate sanitization or validation before incorporating them into SQL query construction. This design oversight creates a classic sql injection vulnerability that operates at the database level, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the database user account.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability follows a well-established pattern of sql injection attacks where attacker-controlled input directly influences database query execution. When the TimeRange method processes incoming requests, it fails to validate or sanitize the user-supplied string parameters that are subsequently used to build sql queries. This lack of input validation creates an environment where malicious payloads can be constructed and executed against the underlying database system. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it allows full code execution within the database context, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive data, or modify database structures.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe given that no authentication is required for exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in production environments. Attackers can remotely leverage this flaw without needing valid credentials, effectively turning any network-accessible instance of Quest NetVault Backup 11.3.0.12 into a potential attack vector. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses sql injection flaws, and maps to attack techniques in the ATT&CK framework under T1071.004 for application layer protocol manipulation and T1046 for network service scanning. The lack of authentication requirements means that this vulnerability could be exploited by automated scanning tools, amplifying the potential impact across multiple systems.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize immediate remediation through official patches provided by Quest Software, as the flaw exists at the core database interaction layer of the backup solution. The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the vendor-provided security update that implements proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters before database query construction. Additionally, network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected system to untrusted networks. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual database query patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, while regular vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar input validation weaknesses in other applications and systems within the organization's infrastructure.