CVE-2011-0269 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 schd_select1 parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0269 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the nnmRptConfig.exe component of HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53. This remote code execution vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing the schd_select1 parameter, creating a pathway for malicious actors to compromise systems running these vulnerable versions. The flaw exists within the reporting configuration functionality of the network management software, which is commonly deployed in enterprise environments for monitoring and managing network infrastructure. The buffer overflow condition occurs when an attacker submits a specially crafted payload containing an excessively long schd_select1 parameter, causing memory corruption that can be exploited to gain unauthorized control over the affected system. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-121, which describes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows data to overwrite adjacent memory locations, and also maps to ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution through command injection.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple system compromise as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service account, typically running with elevated permissions within the network management environment. Network administrators who rely on HP OpenView NNM for critical infrastructure monitoring face significant risk, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and disruption of network operations. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors do not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed network management interfaces. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access points within the network, potentially using the compromised system as a launching pad for further attacks against other network segments. The vulnerability affects organizations that have not applied the relevant security patches, leaving their network monitoring infrastructure exposed to exploitation by threat actors with basic technical knowledge.
Organizations should immediately implement multiple layers of defense to mitigate this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves applying the official security patches released by HP to address the buffer overflow in nnmRptConfig.exe. System administrators should also consider implementing network segmentation to limit access to the affected components, particularly restricting direct network access to the HP OpenView NNM management interfaces. Additional protective measures include configuring network access controls to limit who can reach the vulnerable service, implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious parameter values, and conducting regular vulnerability assessments to identify other potential attack vectors. The implementation of input validation controls and parameter sanitization within the application layer provides an additional defense-in-depth approach. Organizations should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing potential exploitation of this vulnerability, including monitoring for unusual system behavior and maintaining up-to-date forensic capabilities for post-incident analysis. Regular security awareness training for network administrators ensures they understand the importance of patch management and the potential consequences of unpatched vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure software.