CVE-2010-2709 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in webappmon.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long OvJavaLocale value in a cookie.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/21/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2709 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.51 and 7.53. This issue specifically affects the webappmon.exe component, which serves as a crucial element in the network monitoring and management framework. The vulnerability arises from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly handle excessively long OvJavaLocale cookie values, creating a dangerous condition where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted HTTP cookie containing an overly long OvJavaLocale parameter. When the webappmon.exe process processes this malformed cookie, it fails to validate the length of the provided locale value, leading to a classic stack buffer overflow condition. This flaw falls under CWE-121 Stack-based Buffer Overflow, which is categorized as a fundamental memory safety issue that has been consistently identified as one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of vulnerabilities in software security. The overflow allows attackers to overwrite return addresses and other critical stack data, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with a pathway to compromise entire network monitoring infrastructures. Since HP OpenView Network Node Manager is typically deployed in critical network operations centers, exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to complete system compromise, unauthorized access to network monitoring data, and potential lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur without physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments that rely on this monitoring solution. This vulnerability directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as attackers could leverage the executed code to establish persistence and escalate privileges within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2709 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP OpenView Network Node Manager installations to the latest available security updates from HP. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected systems and deploy web application firewalls to detect and block malicious cookie values. Additionally, regular security assessments and input validation reviews should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments to ensure compatibility with existing network monitoring workflows. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring solutions that can detect anomalous cookie patterns and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing buffer overflow exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation flaws can result in severe security consequences within enterprise monitoring systems.