CVE-2018-11174 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 32 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11174 vulnerability affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1, representing a critical command injection flaw that falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the software's handling of user-supplied data, specifically in how it processes commands passed to underlying system utilities. The flaw exists in the software's implementation where external inputs are directly concatenated or interpolated into system command strings without proper sanitization, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the running service.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate input fields that are subsequently used in system command execution contexts. In the case of Quest DR Series Disk Backup, the vulnerability manifests in scenarios where user-provided parameters are not properly escaped or validated before being passed to shell commands. This allows an attacker to inject malicious commands that will be executed by the system, potentially enabling complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that backup software often runs with elevated privileges to perform its core functions, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple command execution to encompass significant security implications for enterprise environments relying on Quest DR Series for data protection. Organizations using affected versions face potential unauthorized access to backup data, system compromise, and possible data loss or corruption. The vulnerability's presence in backup infrastructure creates a particularly attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access or attempting to evade detection, as backup systems often contain sensitive organizational data and may be less monitored than primary systems. Additionally, the attack vector typically requires minimal privileges to exploit, making it accessible to attackers who may have gained access through other means, and the impact can be devastating as backup systems often contain comprehensive organizational data snapshots.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-11174 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.0.3.1 or later, which addresses the command injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to backup systems, restrict administrative privileges, and employ principle of least privilege for backup operations. Additional defensive measures include monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns, implementing web application firewalls where applicable, and conducting regular security assessments of backup infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell) and T1068 (Exploitation for Privilege Escalation), making it particularly relevant for organizations implementing threat hunting and incident response procedures. Security teams should also consider implementing automated vulnerability scanning to identify other potentially affected systems and establish incident response protocols specifically addressing backup system compromises.