CVE-2009-4179 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ovalarm.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long HTTP Accept-Language header in an OVABverbose action.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/03/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4179 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. This issue specifically affects the ovalarm.exe component which serves as a core element in the network monitoring and management framework. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing HTTP Accept-Language headers within the OVABverbose action mechanism. The flaw exists at the application level where the software fails to properly bounds-check user-supplied input before copying it onto a fixed-size stack buffer, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote threat actors.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP request containing an excessively long Accept-Language header parameter. When the ovalarm.exe process receives such a request and attempts to process the malformed header, it copies the oversized input directly onto the stack without proper boundary checks. This overflow allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations including return addresses and control data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service account. The vulnerability classifies under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is a well-documented weakness in software security where insufficient bounds checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The attack vector is remote and requires no authentication, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where the affected system is accessible from external networks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with persistent access to network monitoring infrastructure that is often considered a critical component of enterprise security. Network administrators rely on HP OpenView NNM for monitoring and managing network assets, making this vulnerability particularly attractive to threat actors seeking long-term access to network infrastructure. The affected systems typically run with elevated privileges and may have access to sensitive network information, creating a potential pathway for lateral movement within the network. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: Python, as attackers can leverage the executed code to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. The impact is compounded by the fact that network monitoring systems often serve as central points of control, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for overall network security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-4179 should focus on immediate patching of affected systems, as HP released security updates specifically addressing this vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to affected systems and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The security community recommends implementing strict input validation controls and applying the principle of least privilege to limit the impact of successful exploitation. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary services and ports, particularly those related to the OVABverbose action that triggers the vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring for unusual HTTP Accept-Language header patterns and implementing web application firewalls can provide additional layers of protection against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs that can identify and remediate such critical flaws before they can be exploited in the wild.