CVE-2011-0898 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) 9.00 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2024
The CVE-2011-0898 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in HP Network Node Manager i version 9.00, a widely deployed network management solution used by enterprises for monitoring and managing network infrastructure. This vulnerability resides within the web-based administrative interface of the software, creating a significant security risk for organizations that rely on HP NNMi for their network operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts within the context of authenticated user sessions, potentially compromising the integrity of network management operations and exposing sensitive system information. The vulnerability affects the web application layer of the software, specifically targeting the input validation mechanisms that should prevent malicious content from being processed and rendered within the user interface. Given that HP NNMi is commonly used in enterprise environments, this vulnerability could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to network management functionalities and potentially escalate privileges within the network infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this XSS vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization within the web interface components of HP Network Node Manager i 9.00. Attackers can exploit this weakness through unspecified vectors that likely involve manipulation of parameters passed to the web application, potentially through URL parameters, form inputs, or HTTP headers. The vulnerability falls under CWE-79 which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting flaws in software applications. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially enabling session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized administrative actions. The attack surface is particularly concerning because network administrators frequently interact with the NNMi interface, making them prime targets for such attacks that could compromise the entire network monitoring infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-0898 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can lead to complete compromise of the network management system. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially access sensitive network configuration data, manipulate monitoring alerts, or even execute unauthorized commands through the network management interface. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access to the network or administrative credentials to attempt exploitation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the NNMi interface is accessible from external networks. Organizations may experience unauthorized access to critical network information, potential data exfiltration, and disruption of network monitoring capabilities, which could mask other security incidents and compromise overall network security posture. This vulnerability directly impacts the CIA triad by potentially compromising Confidentiality through data exposure, Integrity through unauthorized modifications, and Availability through potential service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0898 should prioritize immediate patch application from HP, as the vendor would have released a security update addressing the input validation issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to the NNMi interface, ensuring that only authorized personnel can reach the administrative web interface. Additional protective measures include implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, conducting regular security assessments of the web application components, and establishing strict access controls for administrative accounts. Network administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary web services and implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative access. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and output encoding practices as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and the ATT&CK framework's web application attack patterns, particularly those related to command injection and credential access. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect suspicious activities related to the NNMi interface and establish incident response procedures specifically addressing web application vulnerabilities. Regular security awareness training for network administrators is essential to prevent social engineering attacks that might exploit this vulnerability, as the attack surface includes potential phishing vectors that could target system administrators.