CVE-2018-11147 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 5 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11147 vulnerability affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1, representing a critical command injection flaw that resides within the software's handling of user-supplied input. This vulnerability manifests as a weakness in the software's input validation mechanisms, where malicious commands can be injected and executed with elevated privileges. The issue is categorized as a command injection vulnerability under CWE-77, which occurs when a software application incorporates untrusted data into a command that is executed by the operating system without proper sanitization or escaping. The vulnerability specifically impacts the backup software's ability to process external inputs, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. This flaw represents a significant security risk as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to the backup infrastructure and potentially compromise the entire backup environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the Quest DR Series software fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that are subsequently used in system command execution contexts. Attackers can craft malicious input that gets processed by the backup software and then executed as shell commands, bypassing normal access controls and authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows for command injection at multiple levels within the backup process, potentially enabling attackers to execute system commands with the privileges of the backup service account. This could result in full system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of backup operations. The flaw affects the software's handling of various input fields, including but not limited to file paths, backup destinations, and configuration parameters that are processed through shell execution contexts. The vulnerability exists due to insufficient input sanitization and improper command construction techniques that directly incorporate user-provided data into system commands without proper escaping or filtering.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11147 extends beyond simple unauthorized command execution, as it represents a severe threat to backup infrastructure integrity and data security. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Quest DR Series software face significant risks including potential data loss, unauthorized access to backup repositories, and complete system compromise. The vulnerability can be exploited to gain persistent access to backup systems, allowing attackers to manipulate backup schedules, modify backup content, or even delete backup data entirely. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup systems often contain sensitive data and operate with elevated privileges. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically shell scripting, and T1078 for valid accounts, as attackers can leverage the compromised backup system to maintain persistence and escalate privileges within the network. Organizations may experience disruption to their backup operations, potential compliance violations, and increased risk of data breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11147 primarily involve immediate patching of the Quest DR Series software to version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of backup systems to untrusted networks and users. Input validation should be enhanced at all levels where user data enters the system, with proper escaping and sanitization of all parameters before they are used in system command contexts. Security monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts to backup systems. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in their backup infrastructure. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the patched software to ensure that the fix does not introduce new functionality issues while maintaining the integrity of backup operations. System administrators should also review and audit backup configurations to ensure that backup systems are not running with unnecessary elevated privileges and that proper principle of least privilege is maintained throughout the backup environment.