CVE-2026-46465 in PowerProtect Data Domain
Summary
by MITRE • 07/03/2026
Dell PowerProtect Data Domain, versions 7.7.1.0 through 8.7, LTS2026 release version 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.10, LTS2025 release version 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.30, LTS2024 release versions 7.13.1.0 through 7.13.1.70 contain an use of externally-controlled format string vulnerability. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Information disclosure and denial of service.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/04/2026
The Dell PowerProtect Data Domain systems present a critical security vulnerability classified as a use of externally-controlled format string flaw within their software versions spanning from 7.7.1.0 through 8.7, with specific affected LTS releases including 8.6.1.0 through 8.6.1.10 and 8.3.1.0 through 8.3.1.30. This vulnerability resides in the system's handling of user-supplied input that gets processed through format string functions without proper validation or sanitization. The flaw manifests when the system processes external inputs that contain format specifiers, allowing an attacker to manipulate how the system interprets and displays information. The Common Weakness Enumeration categorizes this as CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of externally-controlled format strings in applications. This weakness directly enables attackers to craft malicious input that can trigger unintended behavior in the system's output formatting mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential denial of service conditions that could severely disrupt data protection operations. A high privileged attacker with remote access capabilities can exploit this weakness by injecting specially crafted format specifiers into input fields that are subsequently processed by the vulnerable system components. When these malicious inputs are processed through format string functions, they can cause the system to read from arbitrary memory locations or execute unintended code paths. The attack vector leverages the system's trust in user-provided data without adequate validation, creating opportunities for unauthorized information extraction and system instability. This vulnerability specifically affects the Data Domain's management interfaces and administrative functions where user input is processed through potentially vulnerable string formatting routines.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with several tactics identified in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly focusing on privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. Attackers can leverage this weakness to gain deeper system insights through information disclosure, potentially uncovering system configurations, internal network structures, or sensitive operational details that could aid in further exploitation attempts. The denial of service component of this vulnerability poses significant risk to business continuity operations, as it could render critical data protection services unavailable during peak operational periods. Organizations implementing these systems face potential exposure where attackers could disrupt backup operations, compromise data recovery capabilities, or gain unauthorized access to sensitive operational information through the format string manipulation techniques.
Mitigation strategies should prioritize immediate patch application to the affected software versions, with particular attention to the LTS releases that have been identified as vulnerable. System administrators should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only. Input validation mechanisms must be strengthened to filter out potentially malicious format specifiers before they reach the vulnerable string processing functions. Additional monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual patterns in system logs or administrative activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input sanitization and output formatting practices as outlined in secure coding guidelines, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments of all system components that handle user-supplied data. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify format string attack patterns in network traffic and system logs.