CVE-2009-4181 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ovwebsnmpsrv.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via vectors involving the sel and arg parameters to jovgraph.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-4181 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow in HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53, specifically within the ovwebsnmpsrv.exe component. This flaw exists in the web-based SNMP service handler that processes incoming requests through the jovgraph.exe utility. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation when processing the sel and arg parameters, which are utilized in the graphical representation functionality of the network management interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption and potential code execution.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic stack overflow pattern where the ovwebsnmpsrv.exe service receives input parameters through the web interface and passes them to jovgraph.exe without adequate bounds checking. When the sel and arg parameters exceed the predefined buffer limits, the excess data overflows into adjacent memory locations, potentially overwriting critical program execution elements such as return addresses and function pointers. This memory corruption allows remote attackers to redirect program execution flow and inject malicious code into the target system's memory space. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates over network protocols, enabling remote exploitation without requiring local system access or authentication.
The operational impact of CVE-2009-4181 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete system compromise capabilities within the network management infrastructure. Organizations using affected HP OpenView versions face significant risks including unauthorized network monitoring, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The vulnerability affects enterprise network management systems that rely on HP OpenView for monitoring critical infrastructure components, making it attractive to threat actors seeking persistent access to network operations centers. The remote exploit nature means that attackers can target these systems from anywhere on the internet, without requiring physical access or insider knowledge of the internal network topology.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates for HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected web services, limiting exposure to trusted internal networks only. Additionally, monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts should be enabled through intrusion detection systems that can identify malformed requests targeting the vulnerable parameters. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a technique commonly used in the attack lifecycle documented under ATT&CK technique T1059 for command and control through application layer protocols. Organizations should also consider implementing network access controls to limit exposure of the affected web services to only necessary administrative users and systems.