CVE-2010-1552 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in the doLoad function in snmpviewer.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via the act and app parameters.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1552 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) software ecosystem. This vulnerability specifically targets the doLoad function located in the snmpviewer.exe component of OV NNM versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. The flaw exists in the handling of act and app parameters, creating an exploitable condition that remote attackers can leverage to gain unauthorized code execution privileges. The vulnerability's classification as a stack-based buffer overflow aligns with CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of input parameters sent to the snmpviewer.exe application. When the doLoad function processes the act and app parameters without proper validation or bounds checking, it allows an attacker to exceed the allocated buffer space on the stack. This overflow condition enables attackers to overwrite return addresses and potentially inject malicious code into the application's execution flow. The attack vector is particularly concerning as it requires no authentication, making it a remote code execution vulnerability that can be exploited over the network. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of unsafe string handling practices and inadequate input validation mechanisms that have been documented in various cybersecurity frameworks including the CWE top 25 most dangerous software weaknesses.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2010-1552 could result in complete system compromise of affected HP OpenView Network Node Manager installations. Attackers could gain arbitrary code execution privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized access to network monitoring data, system infiltration, and further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects enterprise network management systems that rely on HP OpenView for monitoring and managing network devices, making it particularly dangerous in production environments where network node managers serve as critical infrastructure components. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries could exploit this vulnerability from outside the corporate network, potentially bypassing traditional perimeter security controls that might otherwise protect internal systems.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates released to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider network segmentation and firewall rules to restrict access to the affected snmpviewer.exe service, particularly on ports that might be exposed to untrusted networks. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter usage and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and intrusion detection systems can help detect exploitation attempts by monitoring for unusual parameter patterns in SNMP-related traffic. Organizations should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems running older versions of HP OpenView Network Node Manager that might share similar code structures and vulnerabilities. The incident underscores the critical need for regular security updates and patch management processes, particularly for enterprise network management tools that handle sensitive infrastructure monitoring data.