CVE-2011-2402 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HP Network Automation 7.2x, 7.5x, 7.6x, 9.0, and 9.10 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2402 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw affecting multiple versions of HP Network Automation software including 7.2x, 7.5x, 7.6x, 9.0, and 9.10. This vulnerability classifies under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting attacks where malicious scripts are injected into web applications. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML code within the context of affected users' browsers, potentially compromising the security of the entire network automation environment.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms within the HP Network Automation web interface components. Attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious payloads that persist in the application's data handling processes. These vectors likely involve parameters or input fields that do not properly sanitize user-supplied data before rendering it in web pages. The vulnerability exists at the application layer where user inputs are processed without adequate protection against script injection attacks, creating a pathway for attackers to manipulate the application's behavior and potentially escalate privileges within the network management system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution as it can compromise the integrity and confidentiality of network automation operations. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or manipulate network configuration data through the compromised automation interface. Given that HP Network Automation systems typically manage critical network infrastructure components, successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized network access, configuration changes, or data exfiltration. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability without requiring physical access to the network infrastructure, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where network automation systems are frequently accessed remotely.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the latest security patches provided by HP to address this vulnerability. Network segmentation and monitoring of web traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts, while implementing proper input validation and output encoding practices within the application code can prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 which involves executing malicious code through web applications, and organizations should consider this when developing their incident response procedures. Additionally, regular security assessments and penetration testing of network automation systems can help identify similar vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by adversaries, ensuring that the security posture of critical infrastructure remains robust against evolving threats.