CVE-2010-1033 in Operations Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in a certain Tetradyne ActiveX control in HP Operations Manager 7.5, 8.10, and 8.16 might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long string argument to the (1) LoadFile or (2) SaveFile method, related to srcvw32.dll and srcvw4.dll.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1033 represents a critical security flaw in HP Operations Manager versions 7.5, 8.10, and 8.16 that affects the Tetradyne ActiveX control component. This vulnerability resides within the srcvw32.dll and srcvw4.dll libraries, which are integral parts of the HP Operations Manager infrastructure. The flaw manifests as stack-based buffer overflows that occur when processing user-supplied input through specific method calls, creating a significant attack surface for remote exploitation. The affected methods LoadFile and SaveFile are particularly vulnerable as they accept string arguments that can exceed the allocated buffer space, leading to memory corruption that adversaries can leverage for malicious purposes.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ActiveX control's method implementations. When a remote attacker provides a specially crafted long string argument to either the LoadFile or SaveFile methods, the control fails to properly bounds-check the input before copying it into fixed-size buffers on the stack. This classic buffer overflow condition allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially including return addresses and function pointers. The stack-based nature of the overflow means that the attacker can manipulate the program's execution flow by overwriting the return address, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected process. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a common vector for privilege escalation attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1033 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with persistent access to systems running vulnerable HP Operations Manager versions. The ActiveX control is typically deployed in enterprise environments where HP Operations Manager serves as a critical monitoring and management tool, making these systems attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish footholds within corporate networks. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that adversaries do not require local access to compromise systems, significantly increasing the attack surface and potential damage. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to sensitive monitoring data, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The attack vector through ActiveX controls also introduces risks related to browser-based exploitation, as these controls can be triggered through web interfaces or malicious websites.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1033 must address both immediate remediation and long-term security posture improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates for HP Operations Manager versions 7.5, 8.10, and 8.16, which contain fixes for the buffer overflow conditions in the affected ActiveX controls. System administrators should also consider disabling or removing the vulnerable ActiveX controls from web environments where possible, particularly in Internet Explorer configurations where ActiveX controls are enabled by default. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable systems to untrusted networks. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected HP Operations Manager versions and ensure proper patch management processes are in place. The remediation approach should align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which focuses on exploitation of remote services, and T1059, which addresses execution through command and scripting interpreters, as these techniques are commonly employed in exploiting such buffer overflow vulnerabilities.