CVE-2011-0264 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in ovutil.dll in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long COOKIE variable.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0264 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the ovutil.dll component of HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53. This vulnerability resides in the handling of HTTP cookie variables within the network monitoring and management software, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gain unauthorized code execution capabilities. The affected system operates within enterprise network management environments where HP OpenView NNM is deployed to monitor and manage network infrastructure components, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on this platform for critical network operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted long COOKIE variable that exceeds the allocated buffer space within the ovutil.dll library. When the application processes this oversized cookie value, it overflows the designated stack buffer and potentially overwrites adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data. This buffer overflow condition enables attackers to manipulate the program execution flow by injecting malicious code into the stack space, effectively allowing remote code execution with the privileges of the running service. The vulnerability specifically targets the HTTP cookie processing functionality, which is commonly used for session management and authentication within web-based network management interfaces.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0264 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass significant network security implications for affected organizations. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain full administrative control over the affected HP OpenView NNM systems, potentially enabling them to monitor network traffic, modify configurations, access sensitive network data, and establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where network monitoring systems are critical for operational continuity, as successful exploitation could lead to complete network management system compromise and subsequent unauthorized access to the broader network infrastructure. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from outside the network perimeter, making traditional network segmentation measures insufficient for protection.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided security patches released by HP for affected versions of OpenView NNM, implementing network segmentation to limit access to the vulnerable systems, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious cookie values that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121 stack-based buffer overflow classification and represents a technique commonly mapped to ATT&CK tactic TA0002 (Execution) and technique T1059.007 (Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell). Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed cookie values and implementing web application firewalls to filter suspicious HTTP requests. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in the broader network infrastructure, as this type of buffer overflow represents a common attack vector that continues to be exploited in enterprise environments.