How to remediate – VERITAS NetBackup Volume Manager Detection

1. Introduction

VERITAS NetBackup Volume Manager is backup software used for data protection. Running this software on a remote port presents an attack surface as it could allow unauthorised access to backed-up data or the underlying system. Systems typically affected are servers running NetBackup, particularly those directly exposed to networks.

2. Technical Explanation

The VERITAS NetBackup Volume Manager service listens for connections on specific ports. If not properly secured, an attacker could potentially exploit vulnerabilities within the service itself or use it as a pivot point to access other systems. There is no known CVE currently associated with this detection; however, misconfigurations are common.

• Root cause: The NetBackup Volume Manager service is running and accessible from a remote network without sufficient security controls.
• Exploit mechanism: An attacker could attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities in the NetBackup software or use brute-force techniques if weak authentication is present. They may also try to leverage the service for lateral movement within the network.
• Scope: Affected platforms are those running VERITAS NetBackup Volume Manager, including Windows and Linux servers. Specific versions depend on the installed NetBackup release.

3. Detection and Assessment

Confirming whether a system is vulnerable involves checking for the presence of the NetBackup service and its accessibility from remote networks.

• Quick checks: Use the following command to check if the service is running on Windows: sc query "NetBackup Volume Manager". On Linux, use systemctl status netbackup-volume-manager.
• Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16389 can detect NetBackup installations. This is an example only and may require updating for current versions.
• Logs and evidence: Check Windows Event Logs for events related to the NetBackup service, specifically those indicating startup or connection attempts. Linux logs are typically found in /var/log/netbackup/.

sc query "NetBackup Volume Manager"

4. Solution / Remediation Steps

Fixing this issue involves securing the NetBackup service and limiting its remote accessibility.

4.1 Preparation

• Ensure you have access to the NetBackup installation media or recovery options in case of issues. A roll back plan involves restoring from the snapshot.
• Changes should be performed during a scheduled maintenance window with appropriate approval from IT management.

4.2 Implementation

1. Step 1: Configure the NetBackup Volume Manager service to listen only on localhost (127.0.0.1).
2. Step 2: Restrict access to the NetBackup ports using a firewall, allowing connections only from trusted sources.
3. Step 3: Review and strengthen authentication settings for the NetBackup service.

4.3 Config or Code Example

Before

# Default configuration - listens on all interfaces (example)
netbackup-volume-manager: enabled
listen_address: 0.0.0.0

After

# Secure configuration - listens only on localhost
netbackup-volume-manager: enabled
listen_address: 127.0.0.1

4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability

List only practices that directly address this vulnerability type. Use neutral wording and examples instead of fixed advice.

• Practice 1: Least privilege – restrict access to the NetBackup service and its data to only authorised users and systems.
• Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate the NetBackup server on a separate network segment with strict firewall rules.

4.5 Automation (Optional)

If suitable, provide a small script or infrastructure code that applies the fix at scale. Only include if safe and directly relevant.

# Example PowerShell script to configure NetBackup service listening address (requires appropriate permissions)
# This is an example only - test thoroughly before deploying in production!
$serviceName = "NetBackup Volume Manager"
Set-Service -Name $serviceName -StartupType Automatic
Set-Service -Name $serviceName -Description "NetBackup Volume Manager (localhost only)"
# Further configuration would be required to modify the service's listening address.

5. Verification / Validation

Confirming the fix involves verifying that the NetBackup service is no longer accessible from remote networks.

• Post-fix check: Use sc query "NetBackup Volume Manager" (Windows) or systemctl status netbackup-volume-manager (Linux). The output should confirm the service is running.
• Re-test: Attempt to connect to the NetBackup ports from a remote system. Connections should be refused.
• Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for any unexpected connection attempts to the NetBackup ports. This is an example only and requires configuration of your specific firewall.

sc query "NetBackup Volume Manager"

6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring

Suggest only measures that are relevant to the vulnerability type.

• Baselines: Update security baselines to include restrictions on remote access for backup services like NetBackup.
• Pipelines: Implement configuration management tools to enforce secure settings for NetBackup installations automatically.
• Asset and patch process: Establish a regular review cycle for NetBackup configurations and apply security patches promptly.

7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back

List known risks or service impacts from the change.

• Risk or side effect 1: Restricting access to localhost may require adjustments to backup client configurations.
• Risk or side effect 2: Incorrect firewall rules could disrupt legitimate backup traffic.

8. References and Resources

Link only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.

• Vendor advisory or bulletin: [https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US](https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US)
• NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable (no known CVE).
• Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: [https://sort.veritas.com/doc/netbackup-docs](https://sort.veritas.com/doc/netbackup-docs)