CVE-2008-5408

Buffer overflow in the data management protocol in Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers 11.0 (aka 11d) builds 6235 and 7170, 12.0 build 1364, and 12.5…

published December 9, 2008

CVSS
—
EPSS
4%
Percentile
91.4
In the wild
Unconfirmed
What it is

⚠️ A sneaky buffer overflow in Symantec Backup Exec could let even unauthorized users crash your server! 🎭 Think of it like a restaurant where an uninvited guest secretly rearranges the kitchen utensils. If they mess with the wrong tool, it could lead to total chaos in the kitchen, or in this case, a server crash! If exploited, this vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to force the application to crash, resulting in a denial of service. Worse yet, there’s a chance that it could be leveraged to run arbitrary code, opening the door for further attacks. Your backup solution could be at risk of being rendered useless or even compromised!

Put simply

Think of it like a restaurant where an uninvited guest secretly rearranges the kitchen utensils. If they mess with the wrong tool, it could lead to total chaos in the kitchen, or in this case, a server crash! This buffer overflow vulnerability in Symantec Backup Exec arises from flaws in the data management protocol, allowing attackers to disrupt service or execute malicious code. It’s compounded by the fact that it can be exploited through another vulnerability (CVE-2008-5407), potentially elevating risk for many users.

What to do

If exploited, this vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to force the application to crash, resulting in a denial of service. Worse yet, there’s a chance that it could be leveraged to run arbitrary code, opening the door for further attacks. Your backup solution could be at risk of being rendered useless or even compromised! Immediate steps to take include upgrading your Symantec Backup Exec to the latest patched version. Ensure that all server configurations are reviewed to limit exposure, and consider implementing additional authentication measures. Regularly audit your systems to spot any signs of unauthorized access. You can tackle this! Stay proactive and follow these steps to keep your backups safe and sound. 🛡️

The record
Technical detail
CVSS
Not scored
CVSS v4.0
Not supplied
EPSS
0.04482 · 91.4th percentile
Published
2008-12-09T11:00Z
EPSS history
Timeline
  • 09 DEC 11:00Z
    Buffer overflow in the data management protocol in Symantec Backup Exec for Windows Servers 11.0 (aka 11d) builds 6235 and 7170, 12.0 build 1364, and 12.5…
    cvelistv5