CVE-2008-4559 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via shell metacharacters in argument fields to the (1) webappmon.exe or (2) OpenView5.exe CGI program. NOTE: this issue may be partially covered by CVE-2009-0205.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/27/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4559 affects HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53, representing a critical remote code execution flaw that enables attackers to gain unauthorized system access. This vulnerability resides within the web application monitoring components of the network management software, specifically targeting two key executables: webappmon.exe and OpenView5.exe CGI programs. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly handle shell metacharacters in argument fields, creating a pathway for malicious code injection. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it operates at the application layer, allowing remote exploitation without requiring authentication or local access privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic command injection pattern where user-supplied arguments are directly incorporated into system commands without proper sanitization. When attackers provide shell metacharacters such as semicolons, pipes, or other command delimiters within the argument fields of the targeted CGI programs, these characters are interpreted by the underlying operating system shell and executed with the privileges of the web application process. This represents a fundamental flaw in input handling that aligns with CWE-77, Command Injection, and CWE-20, Improper Input Validation, making it a severe security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of web application security and operating system command execution, creating a dangerous attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation and system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution to encompass full system compromise capabilities. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary commands on the affected system, potentially gaining access to sensitive network information, modifying system configurations, or establishing persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects the core network monitoring functionality of HP OpenView NNM, which typically runs with elevated privileges to perform network management tasks, making successful exploitation particularly dangerous. Organizations using these affected versions face risks including unauthorized network access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The impact is amplified by the fact that these network management systems often serve as central points of control for enterprise networks, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or disrupt network operations.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected systems with the latest security updates provided by HP, as well as implementing network-level controls to restrict access to the vulnerable CGI endpoints. Organizations should consider network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to the affected web applications, particularly from untrusted networks. Input validation should be strengthened at multiple layers including web application firewalls and application-level sanitization. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input handling and the principle of least privilege in system design. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious command execution patterns and establish incident response procedures to address potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs, as the flaw existed in widely deployed network management software and represents a common class of vulnerability that affects many enterprise applications. The issue also intersects with ATT&CK technique T1059, Command and Scripting Interpreter, and T1068, Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, demonstrating how command injection vulnerabilities can be leveraged for broader attack objectives. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management systems to ensure timely remediation of such critical vulnerabilities and reduce the window of exposure.