CVE-2007-2281 in OpenView Storage Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the _ncp32._NtrpTCPReceiveMsg function in rds.exe in the Cell Manager Database Service in the Application Recovery Manager component in HP OpenView Storage Data Protector 5.50 and 6.0 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a large value in the size parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2281 represents a critical integer overflow condition within the Cell Manager Database Service component of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector. This flaw exists specifically within the _ncp32._NtrpTCPReceiveMsg function in the rds.exe process, which serves as the core database service handler for storage data protection operations. The vulnerability affects versions 5.50 and 6.0 of the storage data protector suite, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of HP OpenView solutions in enterprise environments. The integer overflow occurs when processing network requests containing maliciously crafted size parameters, creating a pathway for remote code execution that could compromise entire storage infrastructure systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the network message processing routine. When the _ncp32._NtrpTCPReceiveMsg function receives a TCP message with an oversized size parameter, the integer arithmetic operations fail to properly handle the overflow condition, resulting in memory corruption. This memory corruption manifests as a buffer overflow scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite critical program memory structures including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability falls under CWE-190, Integer Overflow or Wraparound, which specifically addresses the failure to properly handle integer arithmetic that can lead to unexpected behavior and security consequences. The flaw operates at the application layer of the network stack, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through standard network protocols without requiring local system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass complete system compromise of storage management infrastructure. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to sensitive data protection systems, potentially leading to data loss, unauthorized data access, or complete system takeover. The affected rds.exe process operates with elevated privileges necessary for database operations, meaning successful exploitation could provide attackers with the ability to manipulate backup data, modify storage configurations, or establish persistent access points within the enterprise network. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1046 for Network Service Scanning, as exploitation would likely involve both code execution and network reconnaissance activities. Organizations relying on HP OpenView Storage Data Protector for critical backup operations face significant risk of operational disruption and data compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2281 require immediate implementation of vendor patches and network-level protections. HP released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability in subsequent versions of Storage Data Protector, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these patches across all affected systems. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected rds.exe service to only trusted administrative networks, effectively reducing the attack surface. Additionally, implementing intrusion detection systems with signatures for known exploit patterns targeting this specific vulnerability can provide early warning of attempted exploitation. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns, particularly large TCP message sizes being processed by the storage data protector service, can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider disabling unnecessary network services and implementing least-privilege access controls for the Cell Manager Database Service to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and integer overflow handling in security-critical applications, emphasizing the need for regular security assessments and code reviews to identify similar flaws in enterprise software deployments.