CVE-2018-11144 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 2 of 46).
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11144 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw within Quest DR Series Disk Backup software affecting versions prior to 4.0.3.1. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of command injection attacks that enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The issue is classified as part of a larger set of 46 vulnerabilities, indicating a systemic security weakness within the software's input validation mechanisms. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the software's handling of user-supplied data within command execution contexts, creating an attack surface that could be exploited by remote threat actors.
The technical implementation of this command injection vulnerability stems from insufficient sanitization of input parameters that are subsequently used in system command execution. When the Quest DR Series software processes backup configurations or management commands, it fails to properly validate or escape user-provided input before incorporating it into system calls. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the affected application, typically running with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because backup systems often have broad access to system resources and data, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access or data exfiltration capabilities. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability maps to CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws in software applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11144 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when exploited by threat actors. Attackers could potentially gain access to sensitive backup data, manipulate backup schedules, or even establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Quest DR Series for their backup and disaster recovery operations, potentially exposing critical business data to unauthorized access. The impact is amplified when considering that backup systems often contain comprehensive copies of organizational data, making them prime targets for ransomware attacks or data theft operations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 which covers command and scripting interpreter, and T1078 which addresses valid accounts, as attackers could leverage the compromised system to maintain persistence.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to Quest DR Series version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened around backup systems to limit potential attack vectors. Regular security assessments of backup infrastructure should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other systems. The implementation of input validation controls and proper sanitization of user inputs should be enforced across all system components. Additionally, organizations should monitor for indicators of compromise related to backup system access and establish incident response procedures specifically tailored for backup system compromises. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies for critical infrastructure components such as backup and recovery systems.