Vulnerability record · CVE-2005-2535 · published 10 August 2005
CVE-2005-2535: BrightStor ARCserve Backup Discovery Service buffer overflow
Broadcom · Arcserve Backup 2000
The Discovery Service in BrightStor ARCserve Backup 9.0 through 11.1 contains a buffer overflow that can be triggered by a large packet sent to TCP port 41523. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit it to execute arbitrary commands on the backup server, which typically holds sensitive data and privileged credentials.
Description
Buffer overflow in the Discovery Service in BrightStor ARCserve Backup 9.0 through 11.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via a large packet to TCP port 41523, a different vulnerability than CVE-2005-0260.
AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P
Automated analysis
high priorityRemote unauthenticated code execution with a very high EPSS score and public exploit references, though the product is legacy and not in KEV.
What it is
The Discovery Service in BrightStor ARCserve Backup 9.0 through 11.1 contains a buffer overflow that can be triggered by a large packet sent to TCP port 41523. A remote, unauthenticated attacker can exploit it to execute arbitrary commands on the backup server, which typically holds sensitive data and privileged credentials.
Impact
Successful exploitation gives the attacker remote code execution with the privileges of the Discovery Service, allowing full compromise of the backup host and any data or credentials it manages.
Attack surface
Reachable over the network via a crafted packet to TCP port 41523; the CVSS vector AV:N/AC:L/Au:N indicates no authentication and no user interaction are required.
Exploitation
Not listed in CISA KEV, but EPSS is very high (0.80866, 99.6th percentile) and a SecurityFocus reference is tagged Exploit, indicating public exploit material exists.
What to do
- Apply the vendor patch referenced in the CA and CERT/CC advisories for the affected BrightStor ARCserve Backup versions.
- Block or restrict TCP port 41523 at network boundaries so only trusted management hosts can reach the Discovery Service.
- Segment backup servers from general user and internet-facing networks to limit exposure.
- If the product is end-of-life and no patch is available, migrate to a supported backup platform or disable the Discovery Service where feasible.
Detection
- Monitor network traffic and firewall logs for unexpected connections to TCP port 41523, especially from untrusted sources.
- Inspect host and service logs for crashes or abnormal termination of the ARCserve Discovery Service.
- Alert on large or malformed packets directed at port 41523 using network IDS signatures.
- Watch for unexpected child processes or command execution spawned by the Discovery Service process.
This assessment is produced automatically and is not human-reviewed. Verify against the vendor advisory before acting on it.
Affected products
4 vulnerable configurations from NVD's CPE data, grouped by vendor and product.
References
Track CVE-2005-2535 inside VULONE
Watch it alongside the ransomware crews, C2 infrastructure and forum chatter that reference it, query it through the API and pull it into your SIEM over TAXII.
Related vulnerabilities
Same products first, then exploited flaws of the same weakness class.
Source: NIST National Vulnerability Database (record CVE-2005-2535), CISA KEV, FIRST EPSS (scores of 2026-09-26). This page is refreshed as NVD updates the record.
