CVE-2010-4113 in Power Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in HP Power Manager (HPPM) before 4.3.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long Login variable to the management web server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/07/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4113 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in HP Power Manager software versions prior to 4.3.2. This vulnerability specifically affects the management web server component of the HP Power Manager application, which is designed to provide centralized power management capabilities for enterprise environments. The flaw exists within the handling of user authentication parameters, particularly when processing the Login variable through the web interface. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted HTTP request containing an overly long Login parameter to the target system's management web server.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient input validation and bounds checking within the web server's authentication handling code. When the HPPM web server receives a request with an excessively long Login variable, the application fails to properly validate the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer. This classic programming error allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting the stack frame and gaining control over the instruction pointer. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, which is a well-documented weakness that has been consistently exploited in various security incidents throughout the industry. The attack vector is remote and does not require authentication, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by anyone with network access to the affected web server.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to fully compromise the affected system. Successful exploitation could enable an attacker to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. In enterprise environments where HP Power Manager is deployed for critical infrastructure management, this vulnerability could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to power management controls, potentially disrupting operations or enabling further lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability also represents a significant risk to the integrity of the power management system, as attackers could manipulate power settings or disable critical monitoring functions. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised web server process. The vulnerability's remote nature and the lack of authentication requirements make it particularly attractive to threat actors who seek to establish persistent access to enterprise networks through legitimate management interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4113 should prioritize immediate patching of all affected HP Power Manager installations to version 4.3.2 or later, as this release contains the necessary security fixes. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of the affected web server to untrusted networks, particularly by restricting access to the management interface through firewalls and access control lists. The implementation of web application firewalls can provide additional protection by monitoring and filtering HTTP traffic for suspicious patterns that may indicate buffer overflow attempts. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any other potentially affected systems within the organization's infrastructure. Organizations should also implement network monitoring to detect unusual traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, particularly around the web server's authentication endpoints. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of input validation and secure coding practices, with organizations needing to ensure that all network services properly validate and sanitize user inputs to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from occurring in other applications.