CVE-2011-0273 in OpenView Storage Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in crs.exe in HP OpenView Storage Data Protector Cell Manager 6.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified message types.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0273 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the crs.exe component of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector Cell Manager version 6.11. This issue resides in the handling of unspecified message types within the storage data protection software, creating a potential pathway for remote code execution. The flaw specifically affects the Cell Manager component which serves as the central management console for storage data protection operations within HP OpenView environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise storage infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the crs.exe process that manages communication with various storage components and clients. When the system receives specially crafted message types through network communication channels, the buffer overflow occurs due to insufficient bounds checking and memory management practices. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient boundary checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. The flaw demonstrates poor defensive programming practices where the application fails to properly validate the size and content of incoming data before processing it within fixed-size buffers.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it provides attackers with the capability to gain full administrative control over the affected Cell Manager system. Once exploited, attackers can manipulate storage data protection policies, access sensitive backup data, modify storage configurations, and potentially use the compromised system as a pivot point for further attacks within the enterprise network. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to leverage this vulnerability, significantly expanding the attack surface and making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems are often exposed to external networks. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which covers command and script interpreter execution, as the successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised system.
Organizations utilizing HP OpenView Storage Data Protector Cell Manager 6.11 should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security patches, implementing network segmentation to isolate the affected systems, and monitoring network traffic for suspicious communication patterns. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to data integrity and availability within storage environments, as attackers could potentially disrupt backup operations, corrupt storage data, or exfiltrate sensitive information. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to identify the network signatures associated with this exploit, as well as conducting thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other potentially affected systems within their environment. The flaw underscores the importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and implementing robust input validation mechanisms across all network services and applications within enterprise storage infrastructures.