CVE-2008-4562 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the ovlaunch CGI program in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 on Windows allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted Host parameter. NOTE: this issue may be partially covered by CVE-2009-0205.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-4562 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the ovlaunch CGI component of HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 running on Windows platforms. This issue resides in the handling of the Host parameter within the CGI program, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain arbitrary code execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The affected CGI program serves as a critical interface for network management operations within the OpenView NNM framework, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without authentication from remote locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a maliciously crafted Host parameter is submitted to the ovlaunch CGI program, causing the buffer to overflow and potentially overwrite the return address on the stack. This memory corruption allows attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can leverage this flaw from outside the network perimeter without requiring local system access or prior authentication credentials. The specific nature of the buffer overflow in the CGI parameter handling demonstrates a classic security weakness where input validation is insufficient to prevent the overflow condition, making this issue particularly susceptible to exploitation by automated attack tools.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2008-4562 can result in complete system compromise of the affected OpenView NNM server. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain full control over the network management system, potentially leading to unauthorized network monitoring, data exfiltration, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the enterprise network infrastructure. The affected HP OpenView NNM systems serve as critical network management tools that often run with elevated privileges, increasing the potential damage from a successful exploitation. This vulnerability particularly impacts enterprise environments that rely on HP OpenView for network monitoring and management, as compromise of these systems can severely disrupt network operations and provide attackers with a strategic foothold for further lateral movement within the network.
The mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of vendor patches and updates, as HP would have released security fixes for this specific buffer overflow condition. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected CGI components to untrusted networks. Additionally, implementing network-based intrusion detection systems can help identify exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution tactic, as it involves exploiting a remote code execution vulnerability in a network management tool. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation controls and runtime protections to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from occurring in other applications. The vulnerability's relationship to CVE-2009-0205 indicates that this represents part of a broader class of issues affecting HP OpenView products, suggesting that comprehensive security assessments should be performed across all related components to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities.