CVE-2018-11148 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 6 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11148 affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw that falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77. This vulnerability exists within the software's handling of user-supplied input that is subsequently executed as system commands without proper sanitization or validation. The issue is classified as one of 46 potential vulnerabilities within the software, with this particular flaw being categorized as a command injection vulnerability that can be exploited to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the backup software processes user input through its web interface or API endpoints without adequate input validation mechanisms. Attackers can craft malicious payloads that, when processed by the vulnerable software, get interpreted and executed as system commands with the privileges of the running service account. This creates a significant attack surface where remote adversaries can potentially gain unauthorized access to the backup server, escalate privileges, or execute malicious code directly on the host system. The vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental failure in input sanitization and command execution practices that violates established security principles for secure coding.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise and data exfiltration. Organizations relying on Quest DR Series for backup operations face severe risks including unauthorized access to backup data, potential disruption of backup operations, and the possibility of lateral movement within the network if the backup server has access to other systems. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of backup data, which is particularly concerning given that backup systems are often considered trusted components within enterprise environments. This flaw can enable attackers to manipulate backup schedules, modify backup content, or even delete critical backup data, leading to potential data loss and business disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11148 should prioritize immediate software updates to version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and ensure that backup servers operate with the principle of least privilege. Additional protective measures include monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious payloads, and conducting regular security assessments of backup infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, demonstrating how attackers can leverage command injection to establish persistence and escalate privileges within compromised environments. Regular vulnerability scanning and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other backup and storage management systems within the organization's infrastructure.