CVE-2007-6204 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 6.41, 7.01, and 7.51 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified long arguments to (1) ovlogin.exe, (2) OpenView5.exe, (3) snmpviewer.exe, and (4) webappmon.exe, as demonstrated via a long Action parameter to OpenView5.exe.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-6204 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow issue affecting HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 6.41, 7.01, and 7.51. This flaw exists in multiple executable components of the network management software, specifically targeting ovlogin.exe, OpenView5.exe, snmpviewer.exe, and webappmon.exe. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long argument strings passed to these applications, creating exploitable conditions that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the exploitation of stack memory corruption through improper bounds checking in the affected executables. When these applications receive overly long parameter values, particularly the Action parameter in OpenView5.exe as demonstrated in exploit scenarios, the input data exceeds the allocated stack buffer space, causing adjacent memory to be overwritten. This memory corruption can be manipulated to redirect program execution flow, allowing attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service processes. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, stack-based buffer overflow, and represents a classic example of how insufficient input validation can lead to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to network management infrastructure that typically controls critical network monitoring and management functions. Network administrators rely on OpenView NNM for comprehensive network visibility and control, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous when exploited. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit these flaws without requiring physical access to the target systems, potentially allowing for widespread network compromise. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish backdoors, escalate privileges, or use the compromised systems as launch points for further attacks within the network infrastructure, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control through remote code execution.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-6204 should focus on immediate patch application from HP, as this vulnerability was addressed through official security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate critical network management systems and reduce the attack surface available to potential exploiters. Input validation controls should be enhanced at network boundaries to filter out suspicious long parameter values before they reach vulnerable applications. Additionally, monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual parameter lengths in network management service communications, as this could indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect critical infrastructure components that serve as central points of network management and monitoring.