CVE-2011-0897 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) 9.00 allows local users to read arbitrary files via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0897 affects HP Network Node Manager i version 9.00, representing a critical security flaw that enables local attackers to access arbitrary files on the system. This issue falls under the category of information disclosure vulnerabilities, where unauthorized file access can lead to sensitive data exposure. The vulnerability exists within the local privilege model of the application, where local users can exploit unspecified vectors to bypass normal access controls and retrieve files that should remain protected. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability may involve multiple pathways or could be related to improper input validation or file handling mechanisms within the application's architecture. This type of vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the local privilege level, meaning that any user with access to the system can potentially exploit it without requiring remote network access or elevated privileges.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability likely involves improper access control mechanisms within the HP NNMi application, where file access permissions are not properly enforced for local users. The vulnerability may stem from insufficient validation of file paths or improper handling of file operations that allow local users to traverse the file system and access files outside their intended scope. This aligns with common software security flaws categorized under CWE-284, which addresses improper access control issues in software applications. The attack vector could involve manipulation of file paths through command line arguments, environment variables, or direct file system access methods that bypass normal application security checks. Such vulnerabilities often occur when applications fail to properly sanitize user inputs or when they implement weak access control mechanisms that do not adequately protect sensitive system resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as local users could potentially access configuration files, system credentials, network settings, or other sensitive data that could be leveraged for further attacks. This vulnerability could enable attackers to gain insights into the network infrastructure, identify potential targets for additional attacks, or extract credentials that could be used to escalate privileges or access other systems within the network. The local nature of the vulnerability means that attackers do not require network exposure to exploit this issue, making it particularly dangerous in environments where local access is common or where users have legitimate access to the system. This vulnerability could be exploited as part of a broader attack chain where initial access is gained through local privilege escalation, followed by information gathering and lateral movement within the network. From an operational security perspective, this vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations that rely on HP NNMi for network monitoring and management, as it could compromise the integrity of their network infrastructure monitoring capabilities.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the latest security patches from HP, reviewing local user access controls, and implementing principle of least privilege configurations for all users with access to the NNMi application. The vulnerability should be prioritized for immediate remediation as it represents a local privilege escalation risk that can be exploited without network exposure. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of local user accounts and access permissions, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to the application. Additionally, implementing file system monitoring and access logging can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation in network management applications and highlights the need for regular security assessments of critical infrastructure tools. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory access controls, file integrity monitoring, and intrusion detection systems to provide defense in depth against similar vulnerabilities. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of securing local system components and the potential for local privilege escalation to lead to broader security compromises within enterprise environments.