CVE-2011-0894 in Operations
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Operations 9.10 on UNIX platforms allows remote authenticated users to bypass intended access restrictions via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0894 represents a critical access control flaw within HP Operations 9.10 software running on UNIX operating systems. This unspecified weakness creates a pathway for remote authenticated attackers to circumvent the intended security controls that govern system access and resource protection. The vulnerability specifically affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms implemented within the HP Operations suite, potentially allowing malicious actors who have already established legitimate credentials to escalate their privileges or access restricted functionality beyond what their accounts should permit.
The technical nature of this vulnerability lies in the improper implementation of access control checks within the HP Operations 9.10 framework. While the exact vector remains unspecified, such flaws typically stem from insufficient validation of user permissions, flawed session management, or inadequate input sanitization within the authentication subsystem. The vulnerability's classification as remote authenticated indicates that attackers do not need physical access to the system but must first establish valid credentials through legitimate means. This creates a dangerous scenario where compromised accounts can be leveraged to bypass additional security layers that should normally protect sensitive system functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to organizations relying on HP Operations 9.10 for system monitoring and management. The ability to bypass access restrictions could enable attackers to view sensitive system information, modify operational parameters, or potentially disrupt critical infrastructure management functions. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the system's operational environment, as unauthorized access to monitoring tools could provide attackers with insights into system behavior and potential attack vectors. Organizations may face regulatory compliance issues if such vulnerabilities result in unauthorized access to protected data or system resources.
The security implications extend beyond immediate access bypass scenarios and align with common attack patterns documented in the ATT&CK framework under privilege escalation and defense evasion techniques. This vulnerability represents a critical weakness in the software's security architecture that could serve as a stepping stone for more comprehensive attacks. Organizations should consider this vulnerability as part of a broader security assessment, particularly focusing on the principles of least privilege and defense in depth. The lack of specific details about the attack vector makes this vulnerability particularly concerning as it may indicate deeper architectural issues within the authentication system that could be exploited in multiple ways.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of the affected HP Operations 9.10 installations, implementation of additional monitoring for unusual authentication patterns, and review of access control policies. Organizations should also consider network segmentation to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities and implement comprehensive logging and audit capabilities. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of regular security assessments and timely patch management, particularly for enterprise monitoring and management tools that handle sensitive operational data. This type of vulnerability typically requires vendor-specific patches and may necessitate temporary workarounds while more permanent solutions are implemented.