CVE-2024-22445 Overview
CVE-2024-22445 is an operating system command injection vulnerability in Dell PowerProtect Data Manager version 19.15 and prior. The flaw allows a remote authenticated attacker holding high privileges to execute arbitrary OS commands on the host running the application. Executed commands inherit the privileges of the vulnerable application process. Successful exploitation can lead to full system takeover of the data protection appliance. Dell tracks this issue under advisory DSA-2024-061 and classifies it as an improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command [CWE-78].
Critical Impact
Attackers with high privileges can execute arbitrary OS commands on PowerProtect Data Manager, potentially compromising enterprise backup infrastructure and the data it protects.
Affected Products
- Dell PowerProtect Data Manager 19.15
- Dell PowerProtect Data Manager prior versions
- Underlying OS components invoked by the PowerProtect Data Manager application
Discovery Timeline
- 2024-02-13 - CVE-2024-22445 published to NVD
- 2026-06-17 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-22445
Vulnerability Analysis
Dell PowerProtect Data Manager fails to properly neutralize special elements passed to an operating system command interpreter. When an authenticated user with high privileges submits crafted input to an affected application function, the application concatenates that input into a shell command without sufficient sanitization. The resulting command is executed on the underlying operating system with the privileges of the PowerProtect Data Manager service account.
Because PowerProtect Data Manager centralizes backup and recovery for enterprise workloads, code execution on the appliance provides access to backup metadata, credentials for protected assets, and control of data recovery workflows. An attacker can pivot from the appliance to protected systems or tamper with backup integrity.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper input validation and unsafe construction of OS command strings within an authenticated management interface. Input reaching the command execution path is not escaped or restricted to an allow list, matching the pattern described by CWE-78: OS Command Injection.
Attack Vector
Exploitation requires network access to the PowerProtect Data Manager management interface and valid credentials for a high-privileged account. No user interaction is required. Once authenticated, the attacker submits a request containing command metacharacters that break out of the intended command context and execute attacker-controlled operating system commands. Refer to the Dell Security Advisory DSA-2024-061 for vendor technical details.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-22445
Indicators of Compromise
- Unexpected child processes spawned by PowerProtect Data Manager service accounts, particularly shell interpreters such as /bin/sh, bash, or python
- Outbound network connections from the PowerProtect Data Manager host to unfamiliar external hosts following administrative activity
- New or modified files in system directories or the application data path shortly after high-privileged administrative sessions
- Audit log entries showing high-privileged API or UI actions containing shell metacharacters such as ;, |, &&, or backticks
Detection Strategies
- Alert on process lineage where the PowerProtect Data Manager service parent spawns interactive shells, command-line network tools, or scripting engines
- Monitor application and audit logs for input parameters containing command separators or shell substitution syntax
- Correlate authenticated administrative sessions with subsequent OS-level process and file system changes on the appliance
Monitoring Recommendations
- Forward PowerProtect Data Manager audit, application, and OS logs to a centralized SIEM for retention and correlation
- Baseline normal administrative activity and alert on deviations such as off-hours privileged actions or unusual source IP addresses
- Track authentication events for high-privileged accounts and flag repeated logins from new locations or unexpected service accounts
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-22445
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade Dell PowerProtect Data Manager to the fixed release identified in DSA-2024-061
- Restrict network access to the PowerProtect Data Manager management interface to trusted administrative networks only
- Rotate credentials for all high-privileged PowerProtect Data Manager accounts and review recent administrative activity for signs of misuse
- Enforce multi-factor authentication and least privilege on backup administrator roles
Patch Information
Dell has released a fixed version of PowerProtect Data Manager addressing CVE-2024-22445. Customers running version 19.15 or earlier should apply the update referenced in the Dell Security Advisory DSA-2024-061. Review the advisory for exact fixed build numbers and upgrade prerequisites before deploying in production.
Workarounds
- Limit administrative access to the PowerProtect Data Manager UI and API through network segmentation, jump hosts, or VPN with strong authentication
- Reduce the number of accounts assigned high-privileged administrative roles and audit their usage regularly
- Where upgrade is not immediately feasible, monitor administrative endpoints closely and consider temporarily disabling non-essential administrative integrations until the patch is applied
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
