CVE-2010-1553 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in getnnmdata.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an invalid MaxAge parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1553 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. This vulnerability specifically affects the getnnmdata.exe component which serves as a key element in the network monitoring and management infrastructure. The flaw manifests when the application processes an invalid MaxAge parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access and execute arbitrary code. The affected versions of HP OpenView NNM represent widely deployed network management solutions used by enterprise organizations for monitoring critical infrastructure components.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from improper input validation within the getnnmdata.exe executable where the MaxAge parameter fails to properly constrain input length before copying data onto the stack. This classic buffer overflow occurs because the application does not verify that the incoming parameter length exceeds the allocated buffer space, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent stack memory locations. The flaw follows the CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices. When an attacker sends a specially crafted MaxAge parameter exceeding the buffer boundaries, the overflow corrupts stack metadata including return addresses, potentially enabling code execution control flow hijacking.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass comprehensive system compromise and potential network infiltration. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain elevated privileges on the targeted system, potentially escalating to SYSTEM level access depending on the execution context. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to exploit the vulnerability, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments. Organizations using HP OpenView NNM in their network monitoring infrastructure face significant risk of unauthorized access, data exfiltration, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects critical network management systems that often operate with elevated privileges and maintain access to sensitive network information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-1553 should prioritize immediate patch application from HP as the primary defense mechanism, given that this vulnerability was addressed through official security updates. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected services, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Implementing input validation controls and parameter sanitization within the application layer can provide additional defensive measures against similar vulnerabilities. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1203 Exploitation for Execution, emphasizing the need for network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems running older versions of HP OpenView NNM or similar applications with similar buffer overflow characteristics. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be performed to ensure proper implementation of security controls and to identify additional vulnerabilities within the network management infrastructure.