Description

Dell PowerProtect Data Manager, versions prior to 20.2.0.0, contain(s) an Improper Input Validation vulnerability in the REST API. A high privileged attacker with remote access could potentially exploit this vulnerability, leading to Elevation of privileges.

Executive Summary

Technical Details

Mitigations

References

Additional Metadata

{
  "score": "9.1",
  "pubDate": "2026-07-22T16:17:19.247Z",
  "pubdate": "2026-07-22T16:17:19.247Z",
  "executiveSummary": "An improper input validation vulnerability has been identified in Dell PowerProtect Data Manager in versions prior to 20.2.0.0. This security flaw resides within the REST API component of the application and presents significant risk implications for enterprise backup infrastructures. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability allows a malicious actor with high privileges and remote access capabilities to achieve an elevation of privileges on the affected system. The prerequisite of high privileges indicates that the threat actor must already possess authenticated administrative or high-level access to initiate the attack vector. The primary impact of this vulnerability involves the potential compromise of system integrity and confidentiality, as unauthorized privilege escalation permits attackers to execute arbitrary actions or manipulate underlying system functionalities beyond their intended authorization scope. Mitigation requires upgrading the affected Dell PowerProtect Data Manager deployment to version 20.2.0.0 or later, where the input validation routines within the REST API have been properly secured against such exploitation vectors.",
  "technicalDetails": "The vulnerability identified in Dell PowerProtect Data Manager versions prior to 20.2.0.0 is categorized as an improper input validation flaw specifically localized within the application's REST API. Input validation vulnerabilities occur when an application fails to adequately sanitize, filter, or validate incoming HTTP requests and parameters before processing them within backend functions. In this specific scenario, the vulnerable component is the REST API interface, which exposes endpoints that process administrative or control-plane commands.\nThe root cause stems from the insufficient verification of user-supplied input data handed off to internal application logic via API endpoints. Because the input parameters lack rigorous validation controls, a malicious actor can craft specialized payloads designed to manipulate the execution flow of the application. Exploitation of this vulnerability requires remote network access to the Dell PowerProtect Data Manager REST API and necessitates that the attacker already possesses high privileges within the system architecture. This implies that the threat actor must leverage compromised administrative credentials or exploit a preceding authentication bypass vector to reach the vulnerable API interface with the requisite authorization context.\nThe attack flow proceeds as follows: First, the authenticated high-privileged attacker establishes a remote network connection to the REST API interface of the Dell PowerProtect Data Manager instance. Second, the attacker transmits a crafted HTTP request containing malicious input parameters designed to exploit the improper input validation weakness. Third, the vulnerable API endpoint processes the unsanitized input, failing to reject or neutralize the anomalous payload. Finally, the improper handling of the input leads to a flaw in authorization logic enforcement, resulting in an elevation of privileges. The post-exploitation impact includes the ability of the attacker to perform unauthorized administrative operations, access sensitive data stores managed by the backup solution, or further compromise the underlying operating system and connected infrastructure elements."
}