External risk intelligence

Veeam Backup and Replication: Remote Code Execution Risk

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2024-40711

A deserialization vulnerability in Veeam Backup & Replication allows remote code execution by unauthenticated attackers. This impacts organizations by enabling unauthorized system control, potentially compromising data integrity and availability. The business risk is significant due to external exposure and known explo

4Halo Surface Signal

Deserialization

Veeam Backup \& Replication

12.0.0.1420 to before 12.2.0.334

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2024-40711

Veeam Backup & Replication is commonly deployed in enterprise environments to manage data infrastructure. While not a public web portal by design, such backup management interfaces are frequently exposed to broader network segments or are reachable via remote access services, making them a common target for network-based access in many standard deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A flaw in Veeam Backup & Replication's handling of untrusted data can permit remote code execution. This vulnerability allows an attacker to run malicious code on the affected system. The impact could compromise system integrity and data security within an organization.

  • Vulnerable component: Veeam Backup & Replication
  • Core weakness: Untrusted data deserialization
  • Main business impact: Remote code execution

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A deserialization vulnerability in Veeam Backup & Replication allows an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code remotely. This occurs when the system processes untrusted data through a deserialization process, enabling malicious code injection. The vulnerability facilitates unauthorized access and control over affected systems.

  • Exposure condition: System is externally accessible.
  • Attacker starting point: Unauthenticated remote access.
  • Trigger and result: Malicious payload leads to remote code execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A deserialization vulnerability in Veeam Backup & Replication allows unauthenticated attackers to execute code remotely. This could lead to unauthorized access and control over affected systems, potentially impacting data integrity and availability. The vulnerability has been identified as a critical risk and is actively exploited.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: None required.
  • Business risk or urgency: Critical.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

This vulnerability allows for unauthenticated remote code execution when untrusted data is deserialized with a malicious payload. This poses a significant risk to organizations, potentially leading to unauthorized access and control of affected systems. The identified products are exposed externally, increasing the likelihood of attack.

  • Identify exposed Veeam Backup & Replication assets.
  • Isolate affected systems or reduce access.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Veeam Backup & Replication and what is it used for?

Veeam Backup & Replication is a software used in enterprise environments for data management and infrastructure. It is commonly employed to back up and restore data, ensuring business continuity and data security.

What type of vulnerability is CVE-2024-40711?

CVE-2024-40711 is a deserialization of untrusted data vulnerability (CWE-502). This means the software improperly handles data that it receives from external sources, allowing a malicious payload to be executed.

How can an attacker exploit CVE-2024-40711?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted, malicious payload to the Veeam Backup & Replication system. This can be done without needing any prior authentication, potentially leading to remote code execution.

Who should be concerned about this CVE based on its exposure?

Organizations using Veeam Backup & Replication should be concerned. Halo Surface Signal indicates this software is likely exposed externally, meaning it could be reachable from the internet, increasing the risk of an attack.

What is the first step to address this vulnerability?

The first practical step is to identify all instances of Veeam Backup & Replication within your environment that might be exposed. After identification, applying vendor-provided updates or patches is crucial to mitigate the risk.

References