CVE-2011-2328 in LoadRunner
Summary
by MITRE
Buffer overflow in HP LoadRunner allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a .usr (aka Virtual User script) file with long directives.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2328 represents a critical buffer overflow flaw within HP LoadRunner's processing of .usr files, which are Virtual User script files used for performance testing and automation. This vulnerability exists in the way the application handles user input within these script files, specifically when processing directives that exceed predetermined buffer limits. The flaw affects the daemon process responsible for executing these scripts, creating a potential attack vector that remote adversaries can exploit to compromise system integrity. The buffer overflow occurs during the parsing of directive strings within the .usr file format, where insufficient input validation allows maliciously crafted data to overwrite adjacent memory locations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which categorizes buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows data to be written beyond the allocated buffer space. The flaw operates at the application layer where the LoadRunner daemon processes user-defined scripts, making it particularly dangerous as it can be triggered through legitimate script execution pathways. Attackers can craft malicious .usr files containing excessively long directive strings that cause the application to write beyond its allocated memory boundaries, potentially leading to stack corruption or heap corruption depending on the specific implementation details. This type of vulnerability is classified under the ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it allows for arbitrary code execution through script manipulation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service to include potential remote code execution capabilities, making it a severe threat to systems running HP LoadRunner. When exploited, the buffer overflow can cause the LoadRunner daemon to crash and terminate unexpectedly, resulting in denial of service for legitimate users who rely on performance testing capabilities. However, the more concerning aspect is the potential for arbitrary code execution, which would allow attackers to gain unauthorized control over the system hosting the LoadRunner application. This could enable attackers to install malware, escalate privileges, or access sensitive test data that might contain confidential information about the applications being tested. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where LoadRunner is used for security testing or where test scripts are received from untrusted sources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-2328 should focus on immediate patching of affected HP LoadRunner versions, as well as implementing robust input validation measures for all .usr files processed by the application. Organizations should establish strict file validation procedures that limit the length of directives within Virtual User scripts and implement proper bounds checking to prevent buffer overflows. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of LoadRunner systems to untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be deployed to detect abnormal daemon behavior or unexpected crashes. Additionally, regular security assessments should be conducted to identify other potential buffer overflow vulnerabilities in similar applications, and the principle of least privilege should be applied to restrict the execution permissions of LoadRunner processes. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in security-critical applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of all file processing components within performance testing tools.