CVE-2011-0265 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in nnmRptConfig.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long data_select1 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0265 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nnmRptConfig.exe component of HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53. This issue stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied data before processing. The specific vulnerability manifests when the application receives a malformed data_select1 parameter through network communication channels, creating an exploitable condition that can be leveraged by remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access.
The technical implementation of this buffer overflow vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The nnmRptConfig.exe process operates with elevated privileges typically required for network monitoring and reporting functions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can potentially be exploited to execute arbitrary code with system-level privileges. The flaw occurs during the parsing of the data_select1 parameter, where the application fails to validate the length of incoming data against predetermined buffer boundaries, enabling attackers to craft malicious payloads that exceed allocated memory space.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations utilizing HP OpenView Network Node Manager in their network infrastructure monitoring solutions. Remote attackers can exploit this condition to execute malicious code on affected systems without requiring authentication, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or establishment of persistent backdoors. The vulnerability affects network administrators who rely on these monitoring tools for critical infrastructure oversight, as exploitation could result in loss of network visibility and potential disruption of business operations. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability exists in widely deployed network management software used across enterprise environments.
Security practitioners should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches released for HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53, which address the buffer overflow condition through proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to the affected system, limiting exposure to untrusted networks and reducing potential attack vectors. Additionally, monitoring for suspicious network traffic patterns and anomalous behavior in the nnmRptConfig.exe process can help detect exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify attempts to exploit this specific vulnerability pattern, as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's technique for command and control communications. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar conditions in other network management applications and ensure comprehensive protection against similar buffer overflow threats that could compromise network infrastructure monitoring capabilities.