CVE-2018-11186 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 44 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11186 vulnerability affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1, representing a critical command injection flaw that resides within the software's input validation mechanisms. This vulnerability manifests as a command injection issue in the fourth of forty-six identified problems within the software's security framework, indicating a pattern of security weaknesses that require comprehensive remediation. The flaw allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system through improperly sanitized user inputs, potentially compromising the entire backup infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate sanitization of user-supplied data within the software's command processing pipeline. When legitimate users provide input to the backup system, particularly through administrative interfaces or configuration parameters, the software fails to properly validate or escape special characters that could be interpreted as command delimiters. This weakness directly maps to CWE-77, which defines command injection vulnerabilities where untrusted data is incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. The vulnerability exists at the intersection of input handling and system command execution, creating a pathway for malicious actors to escalate privileges and execute unauthorized operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as it provides attackers with potential access to the underlying backup infrastructure and sensitive data stored within the DR Series systems. An attacker who successfully exploits this command injection flaw could gain full administrative control over the backup appliance, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system disruption, or the ability to manipulate backup operations to hide malicious activities. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations relying on Quest DR Series for their disaster recovery solutions, as these systems typically contain critical business data and operate with elevated privileges. The implications are severe given that backup systems are often considered trusted components within network environments, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access or data destruction capabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement comprehensive mitigation strategies including immediate patching to version 4.0.3.1 or later, which addresses the command injection vulnerability through proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened around backup systems to limit exposure, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns. Security teams must also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments of their backup infrastructure to identify similar weaknesses and ensure proper input validation across all system components. The remediation process should include disabling unnecessary administrative interfaces, implementing principle of least privilege for backup system access, and establishing regular security audits of backup configurations. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application whitelisting solutions and intrusion detection systems specifically designed to monitor for command injection attempts targeting backup infrastructure, aligning with ATT&CK framework techniques related to command and control operations and privilege escalation.