CVE-2011-1732 in OpenView Storage Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in OmniInet.exe in the Backup Client Service in HP OpenView Storage Data Protector 6.00, 6.10, and 6.11 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a malformed stutil message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1732 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw within the OmniInet.exe component of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector backup client service. This issue affects versions 6.00, 6.10, and 6.11 of the storage protection software, creating a significant security risk that can be exploited remotely by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the backup client service processes a malformed stutil message, which is a protocol used for communication between backup clients and servers in the storage management environment. The buffer overflow occurs due to inadequate input validation and bounds checking within the OmniInet.exe process, allowing attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-121, which specifically addresses stack-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking permits writes beyond the allocated buffer space. The exploitation of this vulnerability enables remote code execution, providing attackers with the capability to gain unauthorized access to systems running affected versions of the backup client software.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-1732 extends beyond simple privilege escalation, as it creates a persistent threat vector for attackers seeking to compromise enterprise storage infrastructure. Organizations utilizing HP OpenView Storage Data Protector in their backup operations face severe risks including data exfiltration, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network environments. The remote exploit capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local network presence to initiate the attack, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations with distributed backup environments. When successfully exploited, the buffer overflow can lead to complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service account. This vulnerability directly maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1059 for command and scripting interpreter, T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, and T1566 for spearphishing with a malicious attachment, as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to establish persistent access and execute malicious payloads. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that backup systems often contain sensitive organizational data and operate with elevated privileges necessary for system administration tasks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1732 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with the vendor-provided security updates. Organizations must ensure that all instances of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector running versions 6.00, 6.10, and 6.11 are updated to patched versions that address the stack buffer overflow in OmniInet.exe. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict communication between backup client services and untrusted networks, limiting the attack surface for remote exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for malformed stutil messages and establishing network monitoring protocols that can detect unusual communication patterns associated with exploitation attempts. System administrators should also consider disabling unnecessary backup client services when they are not actively required, reducing the potential attack vectors available to malicious actors. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in network service applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in industry standards such as the OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Organizations should also implement regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar buffer overflow conditions in other network services and applications within their infrastructure.