CVE-2023-41748
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands on affected Acronis Cloud Manager installations due to improper input validation. Organizations using Acronis Cloud Manager (Windows) versions before build 6.2.23089.203 are affected, potentially enabling complete system compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- Acronis Cloud Manager
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise with administrative privileges, data exfiltration, ransomware deployment, and lateral movement across the network.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to data theft, installation of backdoors, or deployment of malware on affected systems.
If Mitigated
Limited impact through network segmentation and proper access controls, but still significant risk to the vulnerable system.
🎯 Exploit Status
CVSS 9.8 indicates critical severity with network attack vector and no authentication required. The CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) classification suggests straightforward exploitation once details are known.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: Build 6.2.23089.203 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://security-advisory.acronis.com/advisories/SEC-5816
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download the latest version from Acronis support portal. 2. Backup current configuration. 3. Run the installer with administrative privileges. 4. Restart the Acronis Cloud Manager service or reboot the system.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Segmentation
allIsolate Acronis Cloud Manager from untrusted networks and restrict access to trusted IP addresses only.
Firewall Rules
windowsImplement strict firewall rules to limit inbound connections to the Acronis Cloud Manager service.
New-NetFirewallRule -DisplayName "Block Acronis External" -Direction Inbound -Protocol TCP -LocalPort 80,443 -RemoteAddress Internet -Action Block
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately isolate the vulnerable system from production networks and internet access.
- Implement application whitelisting to prevent execution of unauthorized binaries and scripts.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the Acronis Cloud Manager version in the application interface or registry: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Acronis\Cloud Manager\VersionCheck Version:
reg query "HKLM\SOFTWARE\Acronis\Cloud Manager" /v VersionVerify Fix Applied:
Verify the version shows 6.2.23089.203 or higher and test that the application functions normally after update.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual process creation events from Acronis Cloud Manager service
- Suspicious command execution patterns in application logs
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful exploitation
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected outbound connections from Acronis Cloud Manager system
- Anomalous traffic patterns to/from Acronis service ports
SIEM Query:
source="acronis_logs" AND (event_type="process_creation" AND parent_process="acronis_service.exe") OR (event_type="network_connection" AND dest_port IN (80,443,8080) AND src_ip="acronis_server_ip")