CVE-2011-0271 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The CGI scripts in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 do not properly validate an unspecified parameter, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands by using a command string for this parameter s value, related to a "command injection vulnerability."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0271 represents a critical command injection flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53. This issue stems from insufficient input validation in the CGI scripts that form part of the network monitoring and management platform. The vulnerability specifically affects an unspecified parameter within these scripts, creating an exploitable condition where malicious actors can inject arbitrary commands through crafted input. The flaw resides in the lack of proper sanitization and validation mechanisms that should normally prevent user-supplied data from being executed as system commands. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in network management systems as it provides attackers with direct access to underlying system functionality and potentially elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic command injection attack vector where an attacker can manipulate the parameter value to include malicious command strings. When the CGI script processes this unvalidated input, it executes the injected commands with the privileges of the web application process, which typically runs with elevated system permissions. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple command execution as it can enable attackers to gain full control over the affected system, potentially leading to complete compromise of the network monitoring infrastructure. This flaw aligns with CWE-77 which categorizes command injection vulnerabilities, and represents a significant weakness in the input handling and security architecture of the HP OpenView NNM platform. The vulnerability's exploitation requires remote access and can be executed through web-based interfaces, making it particularly attractive to attackers who seek to compromise enterprise network management systems.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0271 is severe and multifaceted within enterprise network environments that utilize HP OpenView NNM. Organizations relying on this platform face potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of critical network monitoring capabilities. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code to escalate privileges, install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive network information, or disrupt network operations. The vulnerability affects not just individual systems but entire network monitoring infrastructures, potentially allowing attackers to gain insights into network topology, device configurations, and security controls. From an attack framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including command and control through remote access, privilege escalation via command execution, and defense evasion through backdoor installation. The long-term implications include potential lateral movement within networks and the establishment of persistent access points that could remain undetected for extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0271 require immediate action to address the root cause through proper input validation and parameter sanitization. Organizations should implement comprehensive patch management programs to upgrade to supported versions of HP OpenView NNM that address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit exposure of vulnerable web interfaces to untrusted networks. Input validation mechanisms must be enhanced to prevent any user-supplied data from being executed as system commands, implementing proper whitelisting and escaping techniques. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual command execution patterns and unauthorized access attempts. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to provide additional layers of protection against command injection attacks. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in other network management systems. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in enterprise software development, particularly for systems handling sensitive network infrastructure data and providing administrative access to critical network components.