CVE-2017-5809 in Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
A Remote Arbitrary Code Execution vulnerability in HPE Data Protector version prior to 8.17 and 9.09 was found.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/06/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-5809 represents a critical remote arbitrary code execution flaw affecting HPE Data Protector software versions prior to 8.17 and 9.09. This security defect resides within the backup and recovery management platform that organizations rely upon to protect their critical data assets. The issue manifests as a remote code execution vulnerability that could potentially allow an attacker to execute malicious code on affected systems without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where data protection systems are often considered trusted components within network infrastructure.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and improper handling of user-supplied data within the HPE Data Protector application. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending specially crafted malicious payloads to the vulnerable service, which then processes these inputs without adequate sanitization or validation checks. This flaw falls under the category of CWE-119 Improper Restriction of Operations within the Bounds of a Memory Buffer, as the application fails to properly validate data boundaries during processing. The vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate the application's execution flow and potentially gain full control over the affected system, as noted in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter.
The operational impact of CVE-2017-5809 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity of an organization's backup and recovery infrastructure. When exploited successfully, this vulnerability could allow attackers to access sensitive backup data, modify backup configurations, or even use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network. Organizations utilizing affected HPE Data Protector versions face significant risk since backup systems often contain extensive data repositories including personally identifiable information, financial records, and proprietary business data. The vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where backup systems serve as critical infrastructure components, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to organizational networks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability primarily involve immediate patching of affected systems to HPE Data Protector versions 8.17 or 9.09, which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious activities targeting these vulnerable services. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and regular security assessments can help reduce the overall risk exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches as highlighted in industry best practices and security frameworks such as those recommended by NIST and ISO 27001 standards, which emphasize the critical role of timely vulnerability remediation in maintaining organizational security posture.