CVE-2011-0267 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in nnmRptConfig.exe in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long (1) schdParams or (2) nameParams parameter, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0266.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0267 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw in HP OpenView Network Node Manager version 7.51 and 7.53, specifically within the nnmRptConfig.exe component. This issue affects the network management software that organizations rely upon to monitor and manage their IT infrastructure. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation mechanisms within the reporting configuration utility, creating an exploitable condition that could allow remote attackers to gain unauthorized system access. The flaw manifests when processing specially crafted schdParams or nameParams parameters, which are used for scheduling and naming configurations within the network monitoring framework. These parameters are processed without sufficient bounds checking, enabling attackers to overflow buffer structures and potentially overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to write past the end of allocated buffer space. The attack vector requires remote exploitation, meaning that adversaries do not need physical access to the target system but can leverage network connectivity to deliver malicious payloads. The specific parameters schdParams and nameParams are processed in a manner that does not validate the length of incoming data against predefined buffer limits, creating a window for memory corruption. When these parameters exceed the allocated buffer space, the overflow can overwrite critical program execution data including return addresses, function pointers, or other control structures that govern program flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0267 extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential system compromise capabilities that could lead to complete network infrastructure takeover. Organizations utilizing HP OpenView NNM in production environments face significant risk from this vulnerability, particularly in environments where the affected component is accessible over untrusted networks. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework would map to initial access and execution techniques, specifically leveraging remote services and command execution capabilities. Network administrators who rely on this monitoring platform for critical infrastructure management could experience severe consequences including data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized access to sensitive network information.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected HP OpenView NNM installations to the latest security updates provided by Hewlett Packard. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit exposure of the affected components and consider disabling unnecessary network services that might expose the vulnerable nnmRptConfig.exe process. Access controls should be tightened to ensure that only authorized personnel can interact with the network management system, and network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous parameter submissions that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and bounds checking in network management software, highlighting that even specialized monitoring tools require robust security measures to prevent exploitation by remote attackers. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other network management components and ensure that all system components follow secure coding practices to prevent similar buffer overflow conditions from occurring in the future.