CVE-2010-1555 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 Hostname parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-1555 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.01, 7.51, and 7.53. This issue affects the getnnmdata.exe component which serves as a key executable in the network monitoring and management framework. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the hostname parameter processing mechanism, creating a condition where maliciously crafted input can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. The affected software operates within enterprise network monitoring environments where it processes data from various network devices and systems, making it a prime target for exploitation by threat actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure management systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the improper handling of user-supplied hostname data within the getnnmdata.exe executable. When the application receives an invalid hostname parameter, it fails to properly bounds-check the input data before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This lack of input sanitization allows attackers to overflow the allocated buffer space and overwrite critical stack memory locations including return addresses and function pointers. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application processes network data from monitoring agents or network devices, making it exploitable through network-based attacks targeting the affected system's listening ports and services. According to CWE classification, this represents a classic stack-based buffer overflow vulnerability under CWE-121, which directly enables arbitrary code execution through return address corruption.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-1555 extends beyond simple remote code execution capabilities to encompass significant network infrastructure compromise. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain unauthorized access to the target system with the privileges of the running process, typically the system account or service account. This access enables lateral movement within the network, data exfiltration, and potential establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to target affected systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network monitoring systems often operate with elevated privileges and access to sensitive network data. The affected HP OpenView NNM systems typically serve as critical infrastructure monitoring points, making successful exploitation potentially devastating for network security and operational continuity.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches released by HP, which address the buffer overflow through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected services, particularly limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous hostname parameter usage patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. System hardening measures including disabling unnecessary services, implementing application whitelisting, and regular security assessments should be deployed. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving remote code execution through buffer overflows and privilege escalation, with potential lateral movement opportunities through compromised network management systems. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and memory safety practices in enterprise software development, particularly for systems handling network monitoring and management functions that operate with elevated privileges and broad network access capabilities.