CVE-2010-1550 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Format string vulnerability in ovet_demandpoll.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via format string specifiers in the sel parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/13/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1550 represents a critical format string vulnerability within HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. This flaw exists in the ovet_demandpoll.exe component, which is part of the network management software suite designed to monitor and manage network infrastructure. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation and handling of user-supplied data within the application's processing pipeline, specifically when handling the sel parameter in network polling operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of format string specifiers within the sel parameter, which allows remote attackers to inject malicious format specifiers into the application's printf or similar formatting functions. When the application processes these malformed inputs without proper sanitization, it can lead to stack-based buffer overflows or information disclosure attacks. The vulnerability stems from CWE-134, which specifically addresses the use of user-supplied format strings in formatting functions without proper validation or sanitization. This type of vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system by controlling the format string processing logic, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to manipulate memory structures, bypass security controls, and potentially escalate privileges within the network management environment. Network administrators who rely on HP OpenView NNM for critical infrastructure monitoring face significant risk exposure, as the vulnerability can be exploited remotely without requiring authentication or physical access to the system. This creates a substantial threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise network infrastructure management systems, potentially affecting network availability, integrity, and confidentiality. The vulnerability's presence in multiple versions of the software means that organizations running any of these specific releases are at risk, regardless of their network configuration or security posture.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems, and monitoring network traffic for exploitation attempts. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands on the target system. Additionally, the vulnerability aligns with T1566.001 for credential harvesting through network sniffing, as attackers may attempt to extract sensitive information from the compromised system. Network monitoring solutions should be configured to detect unusual format string patterns in network traffic, while system administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process requires careful application of security updates, followed by system validation to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing network management workflows.