CVE-2018-11191 in DR Series Disk Backup
Summary
by MITRE
Quest DR Series Disk Backup software version before 4.0.3.1 allows privilege escalation (issue 3 of 6).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-11191 affects Quest DR Series Disk Backup software versions prior to 4.0.3.1 and represents a privilege escalation flaw categorized under CWE-269 Improper Privilege Management. This vulnerability specifically manifests as issue three in a series of six identified security weaknesses within the backup solution, highlighting the critical nature of privilege management within enterprise data protection systems. The flaw allows authenticated attackers with limited user privileges to escalate their access rights and gain administrative control over the backup infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this privilege escalation vulnerability stems from inadequate access control mechanisms within the software's authentication and authorization framework. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can leverage the flaw to execute commands with elevated privileges, potentially compromising the entire backup environment and accessing sensitive data stored within the system. The vulnerability exists in the software's handling of user permissions and privilege levels, where proper validation checks fail to prevent unauthorized privilege elevation. This weakness particularly impacts organizations relying on Quest DR Series for critical data backup operations, as it creates an entry point for malicious actors to gain unauthorized administrative access to backup systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-11191 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate backup configurations, access backup data, and disrupt critical backup operations. Organizations utilizing affected versions of Quest DR Series may face significant security risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential denial of service conditions. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation, where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to gain higher-level permissions. This threat vector is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where backup systems often contain sensitive organizational data and serve as critical infrastructure components for disaster recovery operations.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Quest DR Series version 4.0.3.1 or later to remediate this vulnerability, as the patch addresses the underlying privilege management flaws that enable the escalation. Security teams should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious privilege escalation attempts and review access controls within backup environments. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and proper privilege management within backup infrastructure, as these systems often serve as prime targets for attackers seeking persistent access to organizational data. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments of their backup environments to identify potential exploitation vectors and ensure proper segregation of duties within backup system configurations.