CVE-2011-1855 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) 9.0x allows local users to read or modify (1) log files or (2) other data via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1855 affects HP Network Node Manager i version 9.0x, representing a significant security weakness that could be exploited by local attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive system data. This unspecified vulnerability manifests through unknown vectors that permit local users to both read and modify critical log files and other system data, creating a potential pathway for data integrity compromise and information disclosure. The issue resides within the privilege management and access control mechanisms of the network management software, which fails to properly enforce data access restrictions for local users.
The technical flaw in HP NNMi 9.0x stems from inadequate permission controls that allow local users to manipulate system files without proper authorization. This vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient access control, categorized under CWE-284 Access Control Issues, where the system fails to properly restrict user privileges. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that multiple pathways may exist for exploitation, potentially including direct file system access, process manipulation, or indirect methods through system interfaces that do not properly validate user credentials or privileges. The local nature of the vulnerability indicates that attackers must already have access to the system, but the privilege escalation aspect means that even standard user accounts could potentially access sensitive data.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates serious risks for organizations relying on HP NNMi for network management operations. The ability to read log files exposes sensitive operational data, configuration details, and potentially security event information that could aid attackers in planning further attacks or understanding system behavior. The modification capability presents even greater risks as attackers could alter system data to disrupt operations, hide malicious activities, or manipulate network management functions. This vulnerability could enable attackers to compromise network monitoring capabilities and potentially gain insights into network topology and security configurations that would otherwise remain protected. The impact extends beyond immediate data compromise to include potential disruption of network management services and undermining of security posture.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies to address this vulnerability in HP NNMi 9.0x systems. The primary recommendation involves applying the latest security patches and updates provided by HP to address the unspecified access control issues. System administrators should conduct comprehensive privilege reviews to ensure that local user accounts have only the minimum necessary permissions for their operational requirements. Network segmentation and access control measures should be strengthened to limit local access to critical system components. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, where attackers leverage legitimate local accounts to access restricted resources, and T1068 Local Privilege Escalation, where initial access is used to gain elevated system privileges. Regular monitoring of system logs and access controls should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, and security awareness training should be provided to system administrators regarding proper privilege management and access control practices.