CVE-2011-3165 in OpenView Network Node Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP OpenView Network Node Manager (OV NNM) 7.51 and 7.53 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, aka ZDI-CAN-1208.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/25/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3165 represents a critical security flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53, where remote attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability was catalogued under the Zero Day Initiative's CAN-1208 designation, indicating its significance as a previously unknown security weakness that could be exploited without prior knowledge of the specific method. The affected HP OpenView Network Node Manager serves as a comprehensive network management solution that provides monitoring, management, and reporting capabilities for enterprise networks, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise network infrastructure. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors in this vulnerability description suggests that the exact technical mechanisms enabling remote code execution remain partially obscured, though the implications for network security are severe given the privileged access such exploitation would provide.
This vulnerability resides within the network management infrastructure of enterprise environments, where HP OpenView Network Node Manager operates as a central point for monitoring network devices, managing configurations, and providing operational insights. The remote code execution capability implies that attackers could potentially gain unauthorized access to the system and execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account, which typically operates with elevated permissions to manage network resources. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified suggests that the attack surface could involve multiple potential entry points within the application's network handling mechanisms, protocol implementations, or input processing functions that may have been inadequately validated or secured against malicious inputs. Network administrators and security professionals must understand that this vulnerability could potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access points, escalate privileges, or deploy additional malware within the network environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network monitoring compromise, as it fundamentally undermines the integrity and security posture of the entire network infrastructure managed by HP OpenView Network Node Manager. Organizations relying on this software for their network operations would face significant risks including unauthorized access to sensitive network data, potential network disruption, and the possibility of lateral movement within the enterprise network once initial compromise is achieved. The vulnerability could enable attackers to manipulate network configurations, intercept communications, or even disable critical network monitoring functions, thereby removing crucial security controls that organizations depend upon for detecting and responding to threats. This represents a serious concern for enterprise security teams who must consider the potential for widespread impact across their network infrastructure, particularly in environments where multiple network management functions are centralized.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-3165 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP OpenView Network Node Manager installations to the latest available security updates from HP. Organizations should implement network segmentation to isolate the affected systems from critical network segments and limit the potential attack surface. Additional protective measures include deploying network monitoring tools to detect unusual network activity that might indicate exploitation attempts, implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms, and conducting comprehensive security assessments of the network management infrastructure. Security teams should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems specifically configured to monitor for known exploit patterns and maintain detailed audit logs of all network management activities. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw necessitates a layered approach to security where multiple defensive controls work in conjunction to protect against exploitation attempts, aligning with the principle of defense in depth as recommended by various cybersecurity frameworks and standards including those referenced in the common weakness enumeration and attack technique classifications.