CVE-2009-3999 in Power Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in goform/formExportDataLogs in HP Power Manager before 4.2.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long fileName parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-3999 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HP Power Manager software version 4.2.10 and earlier. This vulnerability resides in the goform/formExportDataLogs component of the application, which processes file name parameters during data export operations. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and bounds checking when handling the fileName parameter, creating an exploitable condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which occurs when a program writes data beyond the allocated buffer space on the stack, potentially corrupting program execution flow and allowing arbitrary code execution.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication or physical access. Attackers can exploit this weakness by sending a specially crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long fileName parameter to the vulnerable HP Power Manager service. The buffer overflow occurs during the processing of this parameter, allowing the attacker to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack variables, thereby gaining control over the program's execution flow. This type of vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would enable attackers to execute malicious commands on the target system.
Systems running HP Power Manager versions prior to 4.2.10 are at risk, particularly those exposed to untrusted networks or accessible via web interfaces. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need to be physically present or have local access to compromise affected systems. Organizations using this software in production environments face significant risk of unauthorized access, data compromise, and potential system takeover. The flaw affects the application's web interface functionality, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where power management systems are often integrated with critical infrastructure. Network security teams should consider this vulnerability when conducting risk assessments for industrial control systems and enterprise management platforms.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediately upgrading to HP Power Manager version 4.2.10 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the buffer overflow condition. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. Input validation measures should be enhanced to prevent overly long parameter values from being processed, and regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other enterprise applications. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and restricting access to the vulnerable interface can provide additional protective layers against exploitation attempts.