CVE-2005-2611
CriticalExploitedPublic exploitVERITAS Backup Exec for Windows Servers 8.6 through 10.0, Backup Exec for NetWare Servers 9.0 and 9.1, and NetBackup for NetWare Media Server Option 4.5 through 5.1 uses a static password during authentication from the NDMP agent to the server, which allows remote attackers to…
Published Aug 17, 2005 · Updated Apr 15, 2026
Key Facts
Patch immediately- CVE-2005-2611 is a critical-severity vulnerability (CVSS 10.0 v2) affecting Backup Exec (Symantec Veritas), Backup Exec Remote Agent (Symantec Veritas), Netbackup (Symantec Veritas).
- It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Aug 12, 2005. Public exploit code is available.
- EPSS estimates a 87% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
- Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
CVSS v2
10.0
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:C/I:C/A:C
EPSS (30-day exploit likelihood)
87%
Higher than 99.7% of all scored CVEs
Exploited in the wild
Yes
1 catalog listing
Public exploit code
Available
Proof-of-concept or weaponized module
Get the full CVE-2005-2611 brief as a PDF
Every affected product and fixed release, exploitation status and a first 24 hours response checklist, emailed within minutes.
Description
VERITAS Backup Exec for Windows Servers 8.6 through 10.0, Backup Exec for NetWare Servers 9.0 and 9.1, and NetBackup for NetWare Media Server Option 4.5 through 5.1 uses a static password during authentication from the NDMP agent to the server, which allows remote attackers to read and write arbitrary files with the backup server.
Known-Exploited Catalog Listings
| Catalog | Added | Remediation due | Ransomware use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industry KEV feed | Aug 12, 2005 | n/a | Not reported |
Required action: Apply remediations or mitigations per vendor instructions or discontinue use of the product if remediation or mitigations are unavailable.
Affected Products
57 affected entries in total| Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|
| Backup ExecSymantec Veritas | netware_servers_9.0.4019, netware_servers_9.0.4170, netware_servers_9.0.4172, netware_servers_9.0.4174, netware_servers_9.0.4202, netware_servers_9.1.1067_.2, netware_servers_9.1.1067_.3, netware_servers_9.1.1127_.1 | n/a |
| Backup Exec Remote AgentSymantec Veritas | netware_server, unix_linux_server, windows_server | n/a |
| NetbackupSymantec Veritas | netware_media_servers_4.5, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp1, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp2, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp3, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp4, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp5, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp6, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp7 | n/a |
Timeline
Added to Industry KEV feed
Aug 12, 2005
Publicly disclosed
Aug 17, 2005
Last updated
Apr 15, 2026
References
- advisoryTA05-224A
- patch16403
- patchhttp://securityresponse.symantec.com/avcenter/security/Content/2005.08.12b.html
- patch1014662
- patchVU#378957
FAQ
Common Questions.
VERITAS Backup Exec for Windows Servers 8.6 through 10.0, Backup Exec for NetWare Servers 9.0 and 9.1, and NetBackup for NetWare Media Server Option 4.5 through 5.1 uses a static password during authentication from the NDMP agent to the server, which allows remote attackers to read and write arbitrary files with the b…
Affected: Backup Exec (Symantec Veritas) versions netware_servers_9.0.4019, netware_servers_9.0.4170, netware_servers_9.0.4172, netware_servers_9.0.4174, netware_servers_9.0.4202, netware_servers_9.1.1067_.2, netware_servers_9.1.1067_.3, netware_servers_9.1.1127_.1; Backup Exec Remote Agent (Symantec Veritas) versions netware_server, unix_linux_server, windows_server; Netbackup (Symantec Veritas) versions netware_media_servers_4.5, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp1, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp2, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp3, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp4, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp5, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp6, netware_media_servers_4.5_fp7. The full list is in the CVE brief.
It is exploited in the wild, listed in Industry KEV feed since Aug 12, 2005.
No, it is not currently listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog.
Public exploit code is available.
No fixed version is listed yet; check the vendor advisory for mitigations.
Brandefense priority: patch immediately, because it is listed as exploited in the wild.
Is CVE-2005-2611 Running On Your Attack Surface?
Brandefense maps vulnerabilities like this one to your internet-facing assets and tells you exactly where to patch.
Request A Demo