CVE-2011-0262 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in the stringToSeconds function in ovutil.dll in ovwebsnmpsrv.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via large values of variables to jovgraph.exe.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0262 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.51 and 7.53, specifically affecting the ovutil.dll library component. This issue manifests in the stringToSeconds function which processes string inputs to convert them into second-based time values. The vulnerability occurs when the ovwebsnmpsrv.exe service receives malformed input through the jovgraph.exe utility, creating a condition where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overflow memory buffers and potentially execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw exists at the intersection of network service processing and input validation, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the service may be exposed to untrusted inputs from remote systems.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability follows a classic buffer overflow pattern where the stringToSeconds function fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers. When large variable values are passed to the jovgraph.exe utility through the web service interface, the function does not adequately check the size of incoming strings against the allocated buffer space. This allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially corrupting program execution flow and enabling code injection attacks. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where the function's failure to enforce proper bounds checking creates an exploitable condition. The attack vector is remote and network-based, requiring no local access to the system, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to critical network monitoring infrastructure. Since HP OpenView Network Node Manager serves as a core component in enterprise network management, exploitation could lead to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or disruption of network monitoring capabilities. The vulnerability affects systems where the service is configured to accept external connections, particularly when running on Windows platforms and exposed to untrusted networks. Attackers could leverage this flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive network information, potentially escalating privileges and establishing persistent access to the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification under attack technique T1059 in the MITRE ATT&CK framework indicates it enables command and control operations through the execution of malicious code.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0262 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions, as HP has released security updates addressing this specific vulnerability. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of the affected service to untrusted networks, ensuring that the ovwebsnmpsrv.exe service operates within protected network zones. Additional protective measures include disabling unnecessary network services, implementing proper input validation at network boundaries, and monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems with signatures specifically targeting this vulnerability and ensure that all network management systems are regularly updated to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and memory management practices in network services, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines.