CVE-2005-2773 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
HP OpenView Network Node Manager 6.2 through 7.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) node parameter to connectedNodes.ovpl, (2) cdpView.ovpl, (3) freeIPaddrs.ovpl, and (4) ecscmg.ovpl.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2005-2773 represents a critical command injection flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 6.2 through 7.50. This security weakness resides in the web-based management interface of the network monitoring software, specifically affecting four distinct script files that handle network node information and management operations. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters, allowing malicious actors to inject shell metacharacters that are subsequently executed with the privileges of the web application service account. The affected scripts include connectedNodes.ovpl, cdpView.ovpl, freeIPaddrs.ovpl, and ecscmg.ovpl, all of which process user-provided node parameters without proper sanitization mechanisms.
This command injection vulnerability operates at the application layer and falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-77, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of special elements used in command injection attacks. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands on the affected server, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it affects multiple endpoints within the network management interface, expanding the attack surface and providing multiple vectors for exploitation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the underlying operating system, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2005-2773 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can result in complete network infrastructure compromise. Organizations relying on HP OpenView Network Node Manager for network monitoring and management face significant risks including unauthorized data access, network disruption, and potential exfiltration of sensitive network information. The vulnerability affects the availability, confidentiality, and integrity of the network management system, as attackers can modify or delete network configuration data, disable monitoring capabilities, or establish persistent backdoors. From an adversarial perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for command and scripting interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected HP OpenView installations to the latest security updates provided by Hewlett Packard. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected management interfaces and restrict remote access to only authorized personnel. Input validation and sanitization should be implemented at multiple layers of the application architecture, including web application firewalls and custom validation routines. Additionally, privilege separation should be enforced to ensure that web applications run with minimal required permissions, preventing attackers from gaining elevated system access even if exploitation occurs. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious command execution patterns and anomalous network behavior that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of network management systems.