CVE-2008-4560 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 obtain sensitive information via (1) a crafted request to the nnmRptConfig.exe CGI program, which reveals the pathname of log directories; or (2) a crafted parameter in a request to the ovlaunch.exe CGI program, which reveals configuration details. NOTE: this issue may be partially covered by CVE-2009-0205.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/04/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4560 affects HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53, representing a significant information disclosure weakness that exposes critical system details to remote attackers. This vulnerability manifests through two distinct attack vectors within the web-based management interface of the network monitoring solution, both leveraging CGI programs that fail to properly validate user input parameters. The affected software represents a widely deployed network management platform that organizations rely upon for monitoring and managing their network infrastructure, making this information disclosure particularly concerning from a security perspective.
The technical flaw stems from inadequate input validation and improper error handling within the nnmRptConfig.exe and ovlaunch.exe CGI programs. When processing crafted requests to nnmRptConfig.exe, the system reveals the absolute pathname of log directories, while ovlaunch.exe responds to malicious parameters by disclosing configuration details that could include sensitive system information. These vulnerabilities fall under the CWE-200 category of "Information Exposure" and specifically relate to CWE-201, "Information Exposure Through Sent Data", where the application unintentionally provides sensitive information to unauthorized parties. The root cause involves the failure to sanitize or properly filter user-supplied input before processing, allowing attackers to manipulate parameters and extract system details that should remain confidential.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with critical reconnaissance data that can be leveraged for subsequent attacks. The revealed log directory paths can enable attackers to understand the system's logging structure and potentially access sensitive log files containing authentication credentials, system errors, or other confidential information. Configuration details exposed through the ovlaunch.exe vulnerability may include system settings, network parameters, or other sensitive information that could be used to craft more sophisticated attacks or identify additional system weaknesses. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on HP OpenView for network monitoring, as it undermines the confidentiality controls that should protect their network management infrastructure from unauthorized access.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to limit access to the affected CGI programs, implementing proper input validation and parameter sanitization, and applying available vendor patches or updates. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083 "File and Directory Discovery" and T1005 "Data from Local System", representing a clear path for attackers to gather system information that could lead to privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. System administrators should also consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and monitoring for unusual access patterns to these CGI programs. Given the potential overlap with CVE-2009-0205, organizations should ensure comprehensive patch management across all affected HP OpenView installations to address both vulnerabilities in their entirety. The exposure of system paths and configuration details creates a foundation for more advanced attacks, making immediate remediation essential for maintaining network security posture.