CVE-2025-57789 in CommCell
Summary
by MITRE • 08/20/2025
An issue was discovered in Commvault before 11.36.60. During the brief window between installation and the first administrator login, remote attackers may exploit the default credential to gain admin control. This is limited to the setup phase, before any jobs have been configured.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/10/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2025-57789 represents a critical security flaw in Commvault software versions prior to 11.36.60. This issue emerges during the initial deployment phase when the system is in a transient state between installation completion and the first administrative login. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit default credentials that remain active during this brief window, potentially enabling unauthorized administrative access to the system. This vulnerability specifically targets the setup phase of Commvault installations, which occurs before any job configurations have been established, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited before the system is fully configured or secured. The window of opportunity for exploitation is limited but significant, as it occurs immediately after installation when administrators have not yet established their own secure credentials.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from the improper handling of authentication credentials during the initial system setup process. During installation, Commvault maintains default administrative credentials that should be immediately changed upon first login. However, in versions prior to 11.36.60, these default credentials remain functional and accessible to remote attackers until the first legitimate administrator logs in. This creates a window of opportunity where unauthorized parties can gain full administrative privileges without requiring any prior knowledge of existing passwords or authentication mechanisms. The vulnerability is classified as a credential exposure issue, which aligns with CWE-798, which specifically addresses the use of hard-coded credentials in software. The flaw essentially provides an attack surface that allows for privilege escalation without the need for complex exploitation techniques, making it particularly attractive to threat actors.
The operational impact of CVE-2025-57789 is substantial, particularly for organizations that deploy Commvault systems in environments where network exposure is high or where rapid deployment is required. During the setup phase, an attacker who can reach the system's network interfaces can immediately gain full administrative control over the Commvault environment. This access enables the attacker to manipulate backup policies, access sensitive data, modify system configurations, and potentially escalate their privileges further within the network. The vulnerability can be exploited across the entire network scope where the Commvault system is accessible, and since it operates during the initial installation phase, it can be difficult to detect or prevent. Organizations using Commvault for critical data protection and backup operations face significant risk, as an attacker who exploits this vulnerability could potentially compromise their entire backup infrastructure and access all backed-up data. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004, which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials used for unauthorized access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2025-57789 should focus on immediate patching of affected Commvault installations to version 11.36.60 or later, which addresses the default credential exposure issue. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Commvault systems during the installation phase, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the system during the vulnerable window. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication attempts during the initial setup period, and automated systems should be implemented to enforce immediate credential changes upon first login. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular security assessments to identify and remediate similar credential exposure vulnerabilities in other software systems. The implementation of principle of least privilege and mandatory access controls should be reinforced during the initial deployment phase, ensuring that default administrative accounts are disabled or restricted immediately after installation. Security teams should also establish protocols for immediate response to potential exploitation attempts during the setup phase, including automated alerts and network isolation procedures to prevent further compromise of the system.