CVE-2011-0263 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple stack-based buffer overflows in ovas.exe in the OVAS service in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) Source Node or (2) Destination Node variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0263 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ovas.exe component of HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.51 and 7.53. This issue affects the OVAS service which is responsible for network monitoring and management functions within the HP OpenView ecosystem. The vulnerability manifests when the system processes network node information, specifically handling source and destination node variables that are passed to the ovas.exe process. The flaw occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the buffer handling mechanisms, allowing maliciously crafted input to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack.
From a technical perspective, this vulnerability operates through stack-based buffer overflow mechanisms that are classified under CWE-121 as "Stack-based Buffer Overflow". The flaw allows remote attackers to manipulate network traffic or communication protocols that feed node information to the vulnerable service. Attackers can exploit this by sending specially crafted network packets or data structures containing excessively long source or destination node variables, which when processed by the ovas.exe service, cause the buffer to overflow and overwrite critical stack memory regions. This overflow can potentially overwrite return addresses, function pointers, or other control data, enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the affected service.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0263 is severe and multifaceted within enterprise network monitoring environments. Organizations using HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53 face significant risk of unauthorized system compromise, as successful exploitation allows attackers to gain remote code execution capabilities. This vulnerability can be leveraged to establish persistent access, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within the network infrastructure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because the vulnerability exists in a network monitoring service that typically requires network accessibility, making it vulnerable to exploitation from external networks. The implications extend beyond immediate system compromise to include potential data exfiltration, service disruption, and broader network infiltration capabilities.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for command and script interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised service. The vulnerability also maps to T1078.002 for valid accounts, as exploitation may require network access and potentially legitimate network monitoring credentials. Mitigation strategies should include immediate deployment of vendor security patches, network segmentation to limit access to the affected service, and implementation of network monitoring to detect anomalous traffic patterns. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts and establish network access controls that restrict unnecessary exposure of the vulnerable service to external networks. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability management programs should be enhanced to identify similar buffer overflow vulnerabilities in other network management and monitoring tools within the enterprise infrastructure.