CVE-2011-0272 in LoadRunner
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP LoadRunner 9.52 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via network traffic to TCP port 5001 or 5002, related to the HttpTunnel feature.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0272 represents a critical security flaw in HP LoadRunner version 9.52 that exposes the system to remote code execution attacks through specific network channels. This vulnerability specifically affects the HttpTunnel feature implementation within the LoadRunner application, creating an attack surface that adversaries can exploit to gain unauthorized control over affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when the application processes network traffic directed toward TCP ports 5001 or 5002, which are typically used for communication between LoadRunner components and external systems. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability detail suggests that the underlying flaw involves improper input validation or memory handling within the HttpTunnel functionality that allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the HttpTunnel feature's handling of network requests to these specific ports, where the application fails to properly validate or sanitize incoming data. This weakness creates a pathway for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the LoadRunner process, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability's remote attack vector means that exploitation can occur without requiring physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where LoadRunner is deployed. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-125, which describes out-of-bounds read conditions, and CWE-78, which covers OS command injection, as the attack typically involves manipulating input to execute unintended commands. The attack pattern follows techniques consistent with the ATT&CK framework's execution phase, specifically targeting process injection and command and script execution tactics.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0272 extends beyond immediate code execution capabilities to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and disruption of business operations. Organizations utilizing HP LoadRunner for performance testing and monitoring face significant risk when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as attackers could use it to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive test data, or launch further attacks against the internal network. The vulnerability's presence in LoadRunner 9.52 indicates that the application's security controls were insufficient to prevent malicious input processing, creating a persistent threat that could affect multiple systems within an organization's testing infrastructure. Network monitoring systems may not immediately detect this attack vector since the malicious traffic appears to be legitimate LoadRunner communication, making detection more challenging for security teams. The vulnerability's exploitation requires minimal technical expertise, as attackers can leverage existing tools and techniques to craft payloads that exploit the input validation deficiencies within the HttpTunnel implementation.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation of this vulnerability through the application of HP's official security patches or updates that address the HttpTunnel feature's input handling mechanisms. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to restrict access to TCP ports 5001 and 5002, particularly in production environments where LoadRunner is deployed. Security monitoring should include specific detection rules for unusual traffic patterns on these ports that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates a comprehensive security assessment of all systems running affected LoadRunner versions, including evaluation of the attack surface and implementation of additional defensive measures such as network access controls and intrusion detection systems. Regular vulnerability assessments and security audits should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other enterprise testing tools and applications that may present comparable attack vectors. The incident underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation controls across all network services to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.