CVE-2018-11183 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 41 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11183 vulnerability affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software prior to version 4.0.3.1 and represents a critical command injection flaw that can be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected systems. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of command injection attacks that have been consistently identified as high-risk security issues in cybersecurity frameworks. The flaw exists within the software's handling of user-supplied input during backup operations, specifically in how the system processes command parameters that are not properly sanitized or validated before being executed in the underlying operating system shell. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected system and potentially escalate privileges to execute malicious code with elevated permissions. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-77 as Command Injection, which is a well-documented weakness in software applications that fail to properly validate or sanitize input before using it in system commands.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker can manipulate input fields within the Quest DR Series Disk Backup software to inject malicious commands that are then executed by the system's shell. This typically happens when the application does not properly escape or filter special characters that have meaning in command-line interfaces, allowing attackers to append additional commands that execute beyond the intended functionality. The impact of such an attack can be severe as it provides adversaries with the ability to perform actions including but not limited to executing arbitrary code, accessing sensitive data, modifying system configurations, and potentially establishing persistent access to the compromised system. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate backup data, or use the compromised system as a pivot point for attacking other network resources. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup systems often have elevated privileges and access to critical data repositories, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals seeking to maximize their impact.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11183 extends beyond immediate system compromise to encompass potential data loss, business disruption, and regulatory compliance violations. Organizations running affected versions of Quest DR Series Disk Backup software face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential backup data corruption, which could severely impact disaster recovery capabilities and business continuity planning. The vulnerability's exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to manipulate backup operations and potentially destroy or alter backup data, thereby undermining the organization's ability to recover from security incidents or system failures. Security teams must consider the broader implications of this vulnerability within their overall security posture, particularly in environments where backup systems are integrated with critical infrastructure and where the integrity of backup data is paramount. This vulnerability aligns with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to privilege escalation and persistence mechanisms that attackers often employ after initial compromise. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to the patched version 4.0.3.1, applying network segmentation controls, and monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, using least privilege principles, and conducting regular security assessments can help reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar command injection vulnerabilities in the future.
The remediation approach for CVE-2018-11183 requires immediate deployment of the vendor-provided patch or update to version 4.0.3.1, which addresses the command injection vulnerability through proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, particularly focusing on unusual backup operations or system command invocations. Security configurations should be reviewed to ensure that backup systems operate with minimal required privileges and that appropriate access controls are implemented to prevent unauthorized modification of backup parameters. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other software components within the organization's infrastructure. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect critical infrastructure components such as backup systems from exploitation by threat actors.