CVE-2010-2710 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/23/2021
HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.51 and 7.53 contains an unspecified vulnerability that presents a critical security risk to organizations relying on this network management platform. This vulnerability exists within the software's core architecture and permits remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without requiring authentication. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability vector makes it particularly dangerous as security teams cannot immediately determine the specific attack surface or develop targeted defensive measures. The vulnerability affects the network node management functionality that is commonly used in enterprise environments for monitoring and managing network infrastructure components. Organizations utilizing these specific versions of HP OpenView NNM face significant exposure to potential compromise, as the vulnerability enables attackers to gain unauthorized control over network management systems that often contain sensitive operational data and network configuration information.
The technical flaw within HP OpenView NNM 7.51 and 7.53 represents a critical security weakness that can be exploited through network-based attacks without requiring valid credentials or privileged access. This vulnerability allows for remote code execution, which falls under the category of remote code execution flaws typically classified as CWE-74 and CWE-94 within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework. The attack vector likely involves exploitation of network services or protocols that the NNM software utilizes for communication with network devices and management interfaces. Given that network node managers typically operate as central points of control for network infrastructure, this vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that can be leveraged to compromise entire network environments. The unspecified nature of the exact exploit mechanism suggests that the vulnerability may involve buffer overflows, input validation failures, or other common software weaknesses that can be triggered through network communications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution capabilities and represents a severe threat to network security and business continuity. Organizations running affected versions of HP OpenView NNM face potential compromise of their entire network management infrastructure, which could result in unauthorized access to network devices, data exfiltration, and disruption of network services. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the organization's network perimeter, making traditional network segmentation measures insufficient for protection. Network administrators who rely on these systems for monitoring critical infrastructure components may find their operational capabilities compromised, potentially leading to extended periods of network visibility loss. The attack could also facilitate lateral movement within networks, as compromised NNM systems often have elevated privileges and access to multiple network segments. This vulnerability aligns with attack patterns documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the execution and privilege escalation domains, where attackers can leverage compromised management systems to establish persistent access and expand their operational capabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability in HP OpenView NNM 7.51 and 7.53 environments. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to patched versions of the software, as HP has likely released security updates to address this specific vulnerability. Network segmentation should be implemented to isolate NNM systems from critical network infrastructure, limiting potential attack paths. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough network monitoring to detect any suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also review and harden network service configurations, disable unnecessary protocols, and implement network access controls to reduce the attack surface. The vulnerability's nature suggests that implementing proper input validation and secure coding practices in network management applications is essential. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify anomalous network behavior consistent with exploitation attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify similar weaknesses in other network management tools and systems within the enterprise environment. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of patches in controlled environments before deployment to production systems to ensure operational stability.