CVE-2018-11182 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 40 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11182 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Quest DR Series Disk Backup software affecting versions prior to 4.0.3.1. This vulnerability resides within the software's handling of user-supplied input that is subsequently executed as system commands without proper sanitization or validation. The issue manifests as a command injection vulnerability that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system with the privileges of the running process. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-77 which specifically addresses command injection flaws, where untrusted data is incorporated into shell commands without proper escaping or validation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in backup software environments where the backup systems often run with elevated privileges and have access to sensitive data and system resources.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when the backup software processes user input that contains shell metacharacters or command separators such as semicolons, pipes, or ampersands. Attackers can craft malicious input that gets processed by the software and then executed as system commands through shell invocation. The vulnerability is classified as a remote code execution risk since the command injection can be triggered through network-based interactions with the backup software's interfaces. This flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass authentication mechanisms and directly execute system commands on the target system, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by the fact that backup software typically operates with high privileges and may have access to sensitive organizational data, making it an attractive target for attackers seeking persistent access or data exfiltration.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11182 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of backup operations. Organizations using affected versions of Quest DR Series Disk Backup software face significant risks including unauthorized access to backup data, potential data corruption, and the possibility of attackers using the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and scripting interpreter, specifically focusing on the execution of system commands through various interpreters. This type of vulnerability can lead to persistent backdoors being established, privilege escalation, and lateral movement within the network. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where backup systems serve as critical infrastructure components and often contain comprehensive copies of organizational data.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Quest DR Series Disk Backup version 4.0.3.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as this represents the official patch release addressing the command injection flaw. Additionally, network segmentation should be implemented to limit access to backup systems, and proper input validation should be enforced at all interfaces where user data is processed. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other backup and data protection systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices in enterprise software, particularly in systems that handle sensitive data and execute system-level operations. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege controls for backup software processes and establish robust incident response procedures to address potential exploitation of such vulnerabilities.