CVE-2018-11163 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 21 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11163 vulnerability resides within Quest DR Series Disk Backup software, specifically affecting versions prior to 4.0.3.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw that falls under the CWE-77 category of command injection. This vulnerability manifests in the software's handling of user-supplied input within the context of command execution, creating a pathway for malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system. The issue is classified as part of a broader set of 46 vulnerabilities, with this particular flaw being the 21st in the sequence, indicating a systematic approach to identifying security weaknesses within the product's architecture.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the backup software's processing pipeline. When legitimate users provide input through various interfaces or APIs, the system fails to properly escape or validate command-specific characters and sequences that could be interpreted by the underlying operating system shell. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that, when processed by the software, gets executed as system commands rather than being treated as data. This flaw particularly affects the software's ability to handle user-provided parameters within backup operations, where command execution is required to perform various system functions.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11163 extends beyond simple unauthorized code execution, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges and system-level access to the affected backup server. Organizations utilizing Quest DR Series Disk Backup software in their disaster recovery infrastructure face significant risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely through various attack vectors including web interfaces, API endpoints, or network-based communication channels that the software uses for backup operations. Security professionals should note that this flaw aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and script interpreter, as it enables adversaries to execute malicious commands through the compromised system's shell.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patch management implementation, upgrading affected systems to Quest DR Series Disk Backup version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for input validation and command execution handling. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems, enforce strict input validation at all entry points, and monitor for suspicious command execution patterns. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls, conducting regular security assessments, and establishing robust access controls for backup system interfaces. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-77 emphasizes the need for comprehensive input sanitization practices and proper command execution methodologies, while its potential for remote exploitation aligns with ATT&CK framework's emphasis on privilege escalation and persistent access techniques that security teams must defend against through layered security approaches.