CVE-2008-3536 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in ovalarmsrv in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via unknown vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2008-3537.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/19/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3536 affects HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 where the ovalarmsrv component contains an unspecified flaw that enables remote attackers to trigger a denial of service condition. This vulnerability specifically targets the ovalarmsrv service which is responsible for managing alarm processing and monitoring functions within the HP OpenView environment. The affected system components operate within enterprise network management infrastructures where availability of monitoring services directly impacts operational continuity and network visibility. The vulnerability represents a significant concern for organizations relying on HP OpenView for critical network infrastructure monitoring and management.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of input or processing within the ovalarmsrv service that can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring authentication. This allows remote attackers to send malformed data or trigger specific processing sequences that cause the service to crash or become unresponsive. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2008-3537, indicating that multiple distinct flaws exist within the same software component, each requiring separate remediation approaches. The unspecified nature of the exact vector suggests that the flaw may involve memory corruption, buffer overflows, or improper resource management within the alarm processing subsystem that handles network event data from various sources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it compromises the integrity of network monitoring capabilities that organizations depend upon for operational security and incident response. When the ovalarmsrv service becomes unavailable, network administrators lose critical alarm processing functionality that could mask actual network issues or prevent proper detection of security events. This vulnerability affects enterprise environments where network availability is paramount for business operations, potentially leading to extended downtime, increased incident response times, and degraded network security posture. The remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior authentication credentials.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address the specific ovalarmsrv service vulnerability. Network segmentation and access control measures should be enhanced to limit exposure of the affected components to untrusted networks. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual service behavior or restart patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under service execution and denial of service tactics where adversaries target critical infrastructure services to disrupt operations. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify potential exploitation attempts targeting the specific service ports and protocols used by ovalarmsrv. Compliance with industry standards such as those outlined in the CWE catalog for service availability and resource management vulnerabilities should be maintained during remediation efforts.