CVE-2021-26472 in BDR Suite
Summary
by MITRE • 06/09/2021
Vembu BDR Suite before 4.2.0 allows Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution by placing a command in a GET request (issue 2 of 2).
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/11/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-26472 affects Vembu BDR Suite versions prior to 4.2.0 and represents a critical security flaw enabling unauthenticated remote code execution through specially crafted GET requests. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure direct object references and command injection flaws, which are commonly classified under CWE-20 and CWE-94 respectively within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the application's web interface, specifically in how it processes user-supplied parameters in HTTP GET requests.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the target system without requiring authentication credentials. When a malicious GET request is submitted to the vulnerable application, the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the input parameters, leading to a command injection scenario. This flaw enables attackers to leverage the application's legitimate functionality to execute system commands with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it does not require any authentication, making it accessible to anyone who can reach the vulnerable web application over the network. The attack vector specifically targets the web interface of the BDR Suite, which typically operates on standard HTTP ports and is often exposed to external networks for backup and recovery operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and can result in complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain full control over the affected server, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system modification, or the establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Vembu BDR Suite for their backup and disaster recovery operations, making it particularly concerning for businesses that may have sensitive data stored in these systems. The unauthenticated nature of the exploit means that attackers can compromise systems without needing to first obtain valid credentials, which significantly increases the attack surface and reduces the effectiveness of traditional authentication-based security controls. Organizations using this software may face regulatory compliance issues and potential legal consequences if their systems are compromised through this vulnerability.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2021-26472 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems to version 4.2.0 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the vulnerable web interface, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious GET requests targeting this specific vulnerability. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues within the broader IT infrastructure. The remediation process should include monitoring for signs of exploitation attempts and ensuring that all systems are updated with the latest security patches. Organizations should also review their backup and recovery procedures to ensure that compromised systems can be properly isolated and restored without data loss, following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls around backup systems.