How to remediate – Arcserve UDP Console Detection

1. Introduction

Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) Console is a backup application running on remote hosts. Its presence indicates that sensitive data is likely being stored on the system, making it a potential target for attackers seeking to compromise backups for ransomware or data theft. This vulnerability poses a moderate risk to confidentiality, integrity and availability of backed-up data.

2. Technical Explanation

The Arcserve UDP Console application is running on the remote host. While not directly exploitable as a vulnerability in itself, its presence indicates a potential attack surface for attackers targeting backup systems. Attackers could attempt to compromise the console to gain access to backups or disrupt backup operations. There are no known CVEs associated with simply detecting the Arcserve UDP Console installation. An attacker might exploit vulnerabilities within the Arcserve UDP Console software itself (if present) or use it as a pivot point for lateral movement in the network.

• Root cause: The presence of the Arcserve UDP Console application on the host.
• Exploit mechanism: Attackers could target known vulnerabilities within the Arcserve UDP Console software, attempt to compromise credentials used by the console, or use it as a stepping stone for further attacks on the network.
• Scope: Systems running Arcserve Unified Data Protection (UDP) Console.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming the presence of Arcserve UDP Console can help identify potential risks associated with backup systems. Use the following methods to assess your environment.

• Quick checks: Run a process listing command to check for running Arcserve processes, such as `arcserveudpserver.exe`.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 164790 can detect Arcserve UDP Console installations. This is an example only and may require updating.
• Logs and evidence: Check the installed programs list in Windows Control Panel or use PowerShell command `Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like “*Arcserve*”}` to identify Arcserve UDP Console installation details.

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Arcserve*"}

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

The following steps outline how to address the risk associated with Arcserve UDP Console installations. These are focused on awareness and potential mitigation, as simply detecting the application is not a vulnerability in itself.

4.1 Preparation

• Services: No services need to be stopped for detection purposes.
• Roll back plan: If the Arcserve UDP Console is critical, document its configuration and dependencies for potential restoration.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Document all instances of Arcserve UDP Console installations in your environment.
2. Step 2: Assess the security posture of each installation, including patching levels and access controls.
3. Step 3: Implement appropriate security measures to protect the console and backups (see Section 4.4).

4.3 Config or Code Example

No configuration changes are required for detection purposes.

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

Several security practices can help mitigate risks associated with backup systems like Arcserve UDP Console.

• Least privilege: Grant only necessary permissions to users accessing the console and backups.
• Patch cadence: Regularly update Arcserve UDP Console software to address known vulnerabilities.
• Secure defaults: Configure Arcserve UDP Console with strong passwords and secure settings.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

Automation is not directly applicable for detecting the presence of Arcserve UDP Console, but can be used to automate patching or configuration checks.

# Example PowerShell script to check for Arcserve UDP Console installation:
Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Arcserve*"} | Select-Object Name, Version

5. Verification / Validation

Confirm the detection process and ensure that appropriate security measures are in place.

• Post-fix check: Re-run `Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like “*Arcserve*”}` to confirm Arcserve UDP Console is still detected, indicating the process completed successfully.
• Re-test: Verify that scanning tools (e.g., Nessus) continue to detect Arcserve UDP Console installations.
• Monitoring: Monitor logs for any unusual activity related to Arcserve UDP Console, such as failed login attempts or unexpected process executions.

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_Product | Where-Object {$_.Name -like "*Arcserve*"}`

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of compromise and monitor for suspicious activity.

• Baselines: Update security baselines to include Arcserve UDP Console installations and associated security requirements.
• Pipelines: Integrate vulnerability scanning into CI/CD pipelines to identify potential vulnerabilities in Arcserve UDP Console software.
• Asset and patch process: Establish a regular patch review cycle for Arcserve UDP Console, ensuring timely updates are applied.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

There are minimal risks associated with detecting the presence of Arcserve UDP Console.

• Risk or side effect 1: No known risks.
• Roll back: There is no roll back required for detection purposes.

8. References and Resources

The following resources provide additional information about Arcserve UDP Console.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.arcserve.com/products/arcserve-udp