CVE-2018-11173 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 31 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11173 vulnerability affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1, representing a critical command injection flaw that enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability resides within the software's handling of user-supplied input that is subsequently passed to system commands without proper sanitization or validation. The issue is classified as a command injection vulnerability, which falls under CWE-77 in the Common Weakness Enumeration catalog, specifically addressing situations where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without adequate protection mechanisms. The vulnerability impacts the software's ability to properly sanitize inputs that are processed within command execution contexts, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise the underlying operating system.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the backup software processes user input that is subsequently used in system command invocations. Attackers can craft malicious input that, when processed by the software, gets interpreted as system commands rather than simple data. This allows for arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the user running the backup software, typically a privileged account with elevated system access. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution to potentially enable full system compromise, privilege escalation, and data exfiltration. The flaw demonstrates poor input validation practices and inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data before it is incorporated into system-level operations, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where backup systems often operate with high privileges.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on Quest DR Series Disk Backup software for their data protection infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access or prior authentication to the system. The potential impact includes unauthorized data access, system compromise, and disruption of backup operations that could leave organizations vulnerable during actual disaster recovery scenarios. Organizations may face regulatory compliance violations if backup systems are compromised, as these systems typically contain sensitive data and are critical to business continuity. The vulnerability's presence in backup software is particularly concerning because these systems often have elevated privileges and access to critical data repositories, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11173 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the command injection vulnerability. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems and reduce the attack surface. Input validation should be strengthened throughout the software to prevent malicious data from being processed in command contexts. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to command and control, privilege escalation, and execution through system commands. Organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems running affected software versions and implement proper access controls to limit who can interact with backup systems. Regular security updates and patch management processes should be strengthened to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future, emphasizing the importance of input sanitization and proper command execution practices in software development.