CVE-2010-1554 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 iCount parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1554 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager software versions 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. This vulnerability specifically affects the getnnmdata.exe component which serves as a crucial data collection utility within the network monitoring framework. The flaw manifests when the application processes an invalid iCount parameter, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The vulnerability resides in the improper validation of user-supplied input parameters, which directly violates secure coding practices and establishes a prime target for exploitation within network infrastructure monitoring systems.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs through the manipulation of the iCount parameter during data processing operations. When an attacker submits a malformed iCount value, the application fails to properly validate the input size against the allocated stack buffer space. This misconfiguration allows the overflow to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, effectively enabling attackers to redirect program execution flow. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where insufficient bounds checking permits memory corruption that can be systematically exploited. The attack vector is particularly dangerous as it requires no authentication and can be executed remotely, making it highly attractive to threat actors targeting enterprise network monitoring infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the integrity and availability of network monitoring systems. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive network information. The affected HP OpenView NNM versions are widely deployed in enterprise environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it could provide attackers with access to critical network infrastructure monitoring data and potentially enable lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems without requiring physical access or local network presence, significantly expanding the attack surface.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates released by HP to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected systems, particularly limiting remote access to the specific ports and services associated with getnnmdata.exe functionality. The implementation of intrusion detection systems and monitoring for anomalous parameter usage patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar buffer overflow conditions within the broader network infrastructure, as this vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in enterprise monitoring systems. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a code injection technique, specifically leveraging buffer overflow vulnerabilities to achieve remote code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and privilege separation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation, ensuring that even if the vulnerability is exploited, the attacker's capabilities remain constrained.