CVE-2002-1147 in Procurve Switch 4000M
Summary
by MITRE
The HTTP administration interface for HP Procurve 4000M Switch firmware before C.09.16, with stacking features and remote administration enabled, does not authenticate requests to reset the device, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via a direct request to the device_reset CGI program.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/08/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-1147 represents a critical security flaw in HP Procurve 4000M series network switches running firmware versions prior to C.09.16. This issue specifically affects switches that have stacking capabilities and remote administration enabled, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability stems from insufficient authentication mechanisms within the HTTP administration interface, which is a fundamental component of network device management and security posture. The affected switches are commonly deployed in enterprise environments where network reliability and security are paramount, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on HP Procurve infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests in the device_reset CGI program, which serves as a critical administrative function for network switch management. This CGI script lacks proper authentication checks, allowing any remote attacker to submit requests that trigger a device reset operation without proper authorization. The vulnerability operates at the application layer of the network stack, specifically within the web-based management interface that provides administrators with access to switch configuration and operational controls. This design flaw creates a direct pathway for attackers to perform unauthorized administrative actions, as the system fails to verify the identity or authorization status of users attempting to execute device reset commands. The absence of authentication checks for critical administrative functions violates fundamental security principles and represents a classic example of insecure direct object reference vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions, as it provides attackers with a mechanism to disrupt network operations and potentially gain further access to the network infrastructure. When exploited, the vulnerability allows remote attackers to cause intentional device resets, which can result in temporary network outages, disruption of critical services, and potential data loss during the reset process. Network administrators may experience significant downtime while attempting to restore normal operations, particularly in environments where multiple switches are stacked together and operate as a unified network segment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the device or network proximity, making it particularly dangerous in environments where network security controls are already compromised. This issue directly impacts the availability aspect of the CIA triad and can be categorized under the ATT&CK framework as a denial of service attack vector.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to protect their network infrastructure from exploitation. The primary recommendation involves upgrading the affected HP Procurve 4000M switch firmware to version C.09.16 or later, which contains the necessary authentication fixes for the device_reset CGI program. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the switch management interfaces, particularly disabling remote administration where possible or implementing strict firewall rules to limit access to trusted network segments. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual reset patterns or unauthorized access attempts to network management interfaces. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which describes improper authorization in authentication mechanisms, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices that should be addressed through comprehensive security testing and validation of network device firmware. Organizations should also consider implementing network access control lists and disabling unnecessary services to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in other network components.