CVE-2011-1866 in OpenView Storage Data Protector
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in omniinet.exe in the inet service in HP OpenView Storage Data Protector 6.00 through 6.20 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request, related to the EXEC_CMD functionality.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1866 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within the omniinet.exe component of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector versions 6.00 through 6.20. This issue specifically affects the inet service's EXEC_CMD functionality, creating a remote code execution vector that can be exploited by unauthorized attackers. The flaw exists in the network communication handling mechanism where the application fails to properly validate input length before copying data into fixed-size buffers, a classic software security vulnerability pattern that falls under CWE-121. The affected system operates as a storage management solution that provides backup and recovery capabilities for enterprise environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise critical data infrastructure.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient bounds checking in the omniinet.exe process which handles incoming network requests through the inet service. When a crafted request is sent to the vulnerable service, the application attempts to process an EXEC_CMD command without adequate input validation, leading to a buffer overflow condition in memory. This overflow allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations including return addresses and control data, effectively enabling arbitrary code execution with the privileges of the running service. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates over network protocols, making exploitation possible from remote locations without requiring physical access to the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this represents a remote code execution technique that can be classified under T1203 and T1059, leveraging network-based attack vectors to achieve system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with potential access to sensitive backup data and storage management functions within enterprise environments. Organizations utilizing affected versions of HP OpenView Storage Data Protector face significant risks including data theft, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects storage administrators who rely on this platform for critical data protection services, potentially allowing attackers to disrupt backup operations, corrupt backup data, or gain unauthorized access to protected storage volumes. Given that this software is typically deployed in enterprise environments where it manages critical data assets, the compromise of such a service can result in widespread operational disruption and data loss. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target these systems from outside the corporate network, making traditional perimeter defenses insufficient for protection.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1866 require immediate action from affected organizations, including applying the vendor-provided security patches and updates that address the buffer overflow condition in omniinet.exe. System administrators should implement network segmentation to limit access to the affected service ports and consider disabling unnecessary network services to reduce attack surface. Additional protective measures include deploying intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious network traffic patterns and implementing network access controls to restrict communication with the vulnerable service. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potentially affected systems within their environment and establish monitoring procedures for detecting exploitation attempts. The remediation process must include thorough testing of patches in non-production environments before deployment to ensure system stability and avoid operational disruptions. Security teams should also review and update their incident response procedures to prepare for potential exploitation attempts targeting this specific vulnerability, as outlined in standard security frameworks and best practices for enterprise security management.