CVE-2025-55125 Overview
CVE-2025-55125 is a command injection vulnerability that allows users with Backup or Tape Operator privileges to achieve remote code execution as root by crafting a malicious backup configuration file. This vulnerability exploits improper input validation in the backup configuration parsing mechanism, enabling privilege escalation from a low-privileged operator role to full root access on the target system.
Critical Impact
A user with limited Backup or Tape Operator permissions can escalate privileges to root and execute arbitrary commands, potentially compromising the entire backup infrastructure and any connected systems.
Affected Products
- Veeam Backup & Replication (specific versions - see vendor advisory)
Discovery Timeline
- 2026-01-08 - CVE-2025-55125 published to NVD
- 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2025-55125
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command - Command Injection). The flaw resides in how the backup software processes user-supplied configuration files. When a Backup or Tape Operator creates or modifies a backup configuration file, the application fails to properly sanitize input before passing it to system command execution functions.
The attack requires local access with authenticated Backup or Tape Operator credentials, meaning an attacker must first compromise or possess a valid operator-level account. Once authenticated, the attacker can craft a specially formatted configuration file containing shell metacharacters or command sequences that are executed with root privileges when the backup service processes the configuration.
Root Cause
The root cause is improper neutralization of special elements in user-controlled input that is subsequently used in command execution. The backup configuration parser does not adequately validate or sanitize configuration file contents before passing them to shell commands. This allows an attacker to inject arbitrary commands by embedding shell metacharacters (such as ;, |, &&, or backticks) within configuration parameters.
Attack Vector
The attack vector is local, requiring an authenticated session with Backup or Tape Operator privileges. The attacker creates a malicious backup configuration file containing injected commands. When the backup service processes this configuration—either immediately or during a scheduled backup operation—the injected commands are executed in the context of the root user.
The attack flow typically involves:
- Authenticating to the backup system with valid Backup or Tape Operator credentials
- Creating or modifying a backup configuration file with embedded command injection payloads
- Triggering the configuration processing (manually or waiting for scheduled execution)
- Achieving arbitrary command execution as root
For technical details on the vulnerability mechanism and exploitation vectors, refer to the Veeam Knowledge Base Article.
Detection Methods for CVE-2025-55125
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual or unexpected backup configuration file modifications by operator-level accounts
- Backup configuration files containing shell metacharacters (;, |, &&, `, $())
- Unexpected child processes spawned by backup service processes
- Root-level command execution originating from backup service contexts
Detection Strategies
- Monitor backup configuration files for suspicious content including shell metacharacters and command sequences
- Implement file integrity monitoring on backup configuration directories
- Audit authentication logs for Backup or Tape Operator account access patterns
- Deploy behavioral detection for anomalous process execution chains from backup services
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable enhanced logging for backup service operations and configuration changes
- Configure SIEM alerts for configuration file modifications by operator accounts
- Monitor process trees for backup service processes spawning unexpected child processes
- Track privilege escalation attempts and root command execution from backup contexts
How to Mitigate CVE-2025-55125
Immediate Actions Required
- Review and restrict Backup and Tape Operator account assignments to essential personnel only
- Audit existing backup configuration files for suspicious content or modifications
- Implement the vendor-provided patch as soon as available
- Enable enhanced monitoring on backup infrastructure pending patch deployment
Patch Information
Veeam has released guidance and remediation information for this vulnerability. System administrators should consult the Veeam Knowledge Base Article for official patch information, affected version details, and upgrade instructions.
Workarounds
- Restrict Backup and Tape Operator role assignments to trusted personnel with verified need
- Implement additional access controls and approval workflows for configuration file modifications
- Deploy file integrity monitoring on backup configuration directories to detect unauthorized changes
- Consider network segmentation to isolate backup infrastructure from general user networks
# Example: Restrict configuration file permissions pending patch
chmod 640 /path/to/backup/configs/*
chown root:backup-admins /path/to/backup/configs/*
# Enable audit logging for configuration changes
auditctl -w /path/to/backup/configs -p wa -k backup_config_changes
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
