CVE-2011-3167 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-1210.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-3167 represents a critical security flaw within HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 7.51 and 7.53, classified under the broader category of remote code execution vulnerabilities. This issue affects enterprise network management systems that rely on HP's network monitoring solutions, creating potential pathways for malicious actors to gain unauthorized control over network infrastructure. The vulnerability's classification as unspecified indicates that the exact technical mechanism remains partially obscured, though the implications for system compromise are severe and well-documented within security literature.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and potentially inadequate access controls within the OV NNM application architecture. Attackers exploiting this weakness can leverage unknown vectors to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries and gaining elevated privileges. This type of vulnerability typically arises from buffer overflows, injection flaws, or improper handling of user-supplied data within network management protocols. The attack surface extends to network administrators who may unknowingly interact with malicious payloads through legitimate system interfaces, making detection and prevention particularly challenging in enterprise environments.
From an operational impact perspective, successful exploitation of CVE-2011-3167 could result in complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and disruption of critical network services. Network Node Manager systems typically serve as central points for monitoring and managing large-scale network infrastructures, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise networks. The vulnerability's remote execution capability means that attackers do not require physical access or local credentials to exploit the flaw, significantly expanding the attack surface and potential damage scope. Organizations using affected versions may experience unauthorized network access, system downtime, and potential data breaches that could compromise sensitive network information and operational continuity.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patch deployment from HP, as the vendor would have released specific fixes addressing the underlying code flaws. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to OV NNM systems from untrusted networks, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-119, which addresses weaknesses in memory management and buffer overflow conditions, and may relate to ATT&CK techniques involving remote code execution and privilege escalation. Organizations should also implement comprehensive network monitoring, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and maintain updated threat intelligence feeds to detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, administrative access controls should be strengthened through multi-factor authentication and principle of least privilege enforcement to minimize potential damage from successful exploitation attempts.