CVE-2010-2706 in Procurve Switch Software
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in the In-band Agent on the HP ProCurve 2610 switch before R.11.30 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2706 affects the In-band Agent component of HP ProCurve 2610 series network switches prior to firmware revision R.11.30. This represents a critical security flaw that exists within the switch's management interface, specifically within the In-band Agent functionality that facilitates remote management and monitoring operations. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vectors indicates that the exact technical mechanism enabling the denial of service condition remains undisclosed, though it operates through the switch's remote access capabilities.
The technical flaw manifests within the switch's processing of remote management requests through the In-band Agent interface, which is designed to provide out-of-band management capabilities for network infrastructure devices. This component operates independently of the primary switch forwarding functions and typically handles configuration changes, status reporting, and remote diagnostic operations. The vulnerability allows unauthorized remote attackers to exploit weaknesses in the processing of incoming management requests, potentially leading to complete service disruption. The attack vector operates through network-based communication channels that are normally used for legitimate administrative purposes, making detection and mitigation more challenging.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service interruption to potentially compromise the entire network infrastructure management capabilities. When exploited, the denial of service condition can render the switch's management functions inaccessible, preventing network administrators from performing essential configuration changes, monitoring network status, or conducting troubleshooting operations. This creates a cascading effect where network availability is significantly impacted, potentially leading to extended outages while administrators are unable to access the device for recovery operations. The vulnerability affects the switch's ability to maintain operational integrity during critical network maintenance periods, particularly when remote access is required for system administration tasks.
Network security frameworks such as the Common Weakness Enumeration categorize this vulnerability under the broader class of unspecified weaknesses that can lead to denial of service conditions. The ATT&CK framework would classify this as a network service disruption technique, potentially falling under the category of service stoppage or availability compromise. Organizations implementing HP ProCurve 2610 switches should prioritize immediate firmware updates to address this vulnerability, as the unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests potential for exploitation through multiple methods. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to network availability and operational continuity, particularly in environments where remote network management is critical for maintaining service levels. Mitigation strategies should include firmware updates, network segmentation to limit access to management interfaces, and implementation of monitoring controls to detect abnormal management traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of maintaining current firmware versions for network infrastructure equipment. Network administrators should establish robust patch management processes that include regular firmware updates for all network devices, particularly those with remote management capabilities. The vulnerability also underscores the need for network segmentation and access control measures that limit exposure of management interfaces to trusted networks only. Organizations should consider implementing network monitoring solutions that can detect unusual management traffic patterns or service disruptions that might indicate exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Regular security assessments of network infrastructure components remain essential for identifying and addressing potential attack vectors before they can be exploited by malicious actors.