CVE-2008-1853 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The ovtopmd service in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51, 7.53, and possibly other versions allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (exit) by sending a 0x36 packet (exit request).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-1853 affects the ovtopmd service component within HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53, representing a significant security weakness that enables remote attackers to execute denial of service attacks against network infrastructure. This service operates as part of HP's network monitoring solution, which is widely deployed in enterprise environments for managing and monitoring network devices. The flaw specifically resides in how the ovtopmd service processes incoming network packets, particularly those with a specific packet type designated by the hexadecimal value 0x36, which corresponds to an exit request command.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of proper input validation within the network service communication protocol. When the ovtopmd service receives a malformed packet containing the 0x36 identifier, it fails to properly validate or sanitize the incoming data before processing the command. This absence of input validation creates an exploitable condition where an attacker can craft a specific packet that triggers an abnormal termination of the service. The service responds to this crafted packet by exiting or crashing, which results in immediate disruption of network monitoring capabilities. This behavior aligns with CWE-20, which describes improper input validation as a fundamental weakness in software security design, and represents a clear violation of the principle of least privilege in network service operation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can severely compromise network monitoring and management capabilities within enterprise environments. When the ovtopmd service terminates unexpectedly, it leaves network administrators without critical visibility into their network infrastructure, potentially masking other security issues or network problems that the monitoring system was designed to detect. The vulnerability affects systems that rely on HP OpenView Network Node Manager for network operations, which are typically mission-critical components in large enterprise networks, making the potential for business disruption substantial. This type of attack aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and represents a straightforward but effective method for disrupting network management operations.
The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it accessible to attackers with basic network knowledge. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, meaning that any network-connected attacker can potentially exploit this weakness. Organizations that have not patched their HP OpenView Network Node Manager installations remain vulnerable to this type of attack, which can be particularly damaging in environments where network monitoring is essential for security operations and incident response. The lack of authentication requirements and the simple packet structure make this vulnerability highly attractive to attackers seeking to disrupt network operations without significant effort. System administrators should prioritize patching this vulnerability and implement network segmentation to limit exposure, as the service typically operates on well-known network ports and is often accessible from multiple network segments.