Veritas Backup Exec Agent Command Execution
CVE-2021-27878 is a high-severity vulnerability in Backup Exec from Veritas, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. The record lists version 21.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Backup Exec to that release or later removes the exposure. CISA added it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue on April 7, 2023, which means attacks have been observed in the wild, including in ransomware campaigns.
Attackers are already exploiting this vulnerability, according to CISA.
What to do
- Update Backup Exec to 21.2 or a later version.
- CISA's required action: Apply updates per vendor instructions.
- Read the advisory on veritas.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veritas | Backup Exec | before 21.2 | 21.2 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CNA (mitre.org) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 2.0 | 9.0 | High | NVD |
Official description
An issue was discovered in Veritas Backup Exec before 21.2. The communication between a client and an Agent requires successful authentication, which is typically completed over a secure TLS communication. However, due to a vulnerability in the SHA Authentication scheme, an attacker is able to gain unauthorized access and complete the authentication process. Subsequently, the client can execute data management protocol commands on the authenticated connection. The attacker could use one of these commands to execute an arbitrary command on the system using system privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Added to CISA's Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue.
- Deadline for US federal agencies to remediate, set by CISA.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: active, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Third-party and government advisories
- cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-27878US Government Resource
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/168506/Veritas-Backup-Exec-Agent-Remote-Code-Execution.htmlExploit, Third Party Advisory, VDB Entry
Other vulnerabilities in Backup Exec
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
Veritas Backup Exec Agent File Access Exploited
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