CVE-2018-11188 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows command injection (issue 46 of 46).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The CVE-2018-11188 vulnerability represents a critical command injection flaw in Quest DR Series Disk Backup software affecting versions prior to 4.0.3.1. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-77 category of Command Injection, which occurs when an application executes operating system commands based on user-supplied input without proper validation or sanitization. The issue manifests as a command injection vulnerability that can be exploited by malicious actors to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects backup software that typically operates with elevated privileges and has access to critical system resources and data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation within the Quest DR Series Disk Backup software's command processing mechanisms. When the software receives user input through various interfaces or API endpoints, it fails to properly sanitize or validate the input before incorporating it into system commands. This allows attackers to inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the backup software process. The vulnerability affects the software's ability to properly isolate user input from system command execution, creating a direct pathway for remote code execution. The attack surface is broad as backup systems often need to execute various commands for disk operations, data management, and system interactions, making the injection points numerous and potentially exploitable.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the backup server, potentially leading to complete system takeover. The backup environment typically contains sensitive data and system credentials, making this a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or establish persistent access. The vulnerability also affects the integrity of backup operations, as malicious commands could corrupt backup data or interfere with backup schedules. Organizations using Quest DR Series software may experience service disruption, data loss, or unauthorized data access, with potential regulatory implications for compliance with data protection standards.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Quest DR Series Disk Backup version 4.0.3.1 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the command injection vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the backup systems to untrusted networks. Regular security audits and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other backup and system management tools. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, highlighting the need for robust input validation and privilege separation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions to detect suspicious command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically for backup system compromises. The vulnerability underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and following secure coding practices to prevent similar injection vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure software.