CVE-2017-17659 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 NVBUJobHistory 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-4906.
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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 NVBUJobHistory 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 undermining the security of the underlying database infrastructure.
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 embedded into database queries. This flaw falls under CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1071.005 for application layer protocol manipulation. When exploited, the vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands against the database, potentially gaining full control over database operations and accessing sensitive information stored within the backup system. The impact extends beyond simple data theft to include complete database compromise and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure.
The operational implications of this vulnerability are severe for organizations relying on Quest NetVault Backup systems, as it provides an unauthenticated attack surface that can be exploited from anywhere on the network. Attackers can leverage this weakness to escalate privileges, extract backup data, modify database records, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw means that attackers do not need physical access or valid credentials to exploit the system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where backup systems often contain highly sensitive data. Organizations using this backup solution face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential regulatory violations due to the exposed nature of this vulnerability.
Organizations should immediately apply the vendor-provided security patches and updates to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to backup systems, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious database query patterns. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other backup and database systems. Additionally, implementing proper input validation frameworks and database query parameterization techniques can help prevent similar issues in future deployments. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and input validation in database applications, particularly those handling sensitive enterprise data.