CVE-2011-4155 in Network Node Manager i
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HP Network Node Manager i (NNMi) 9.0x and 9.1x allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-4156.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/26/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4155 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within HP Network Node Manager i version 9.0x and 9.1x product lines. This security weakness specifically affects the web-based management interface of the network monitoring solution, creating a potential attack vector for remote threat actors seeking to compromise the system. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, making it a well-documented and serious web application security concern. The affected versions of HP NNMi utilize web technologies that fail to properly sanitize user input before rendering it within web pages, creating an environment where malicious scripts can be injected and executed in the context of other users' browsers.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through unspecified input vectors within the web interface components of HP NNMi. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious payloads that get executed when legitimate users interact with the vulnerable application. The vulnerability allows for the injection of arbitrary web script or HTML content, which can result in session hijacking, data theft, or further compromise of the affected system. Unlike CVE-2011-4156 which addresses a different vector, this vulnerability specifically targets the input validation mechanisms within the web application layer, making it particularly dangerous in network management environments where privileged access is often required. The attack surface is expanded due to the web-based nature of the interface, which typically requires minimal privileges to access and can be reached from external networks.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4155 extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform actions that compromise the integrity and confidentiality of network management data. When exploited, this vulnerability can allow threat actors to gain unauthorized access to network monitoring information, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive network configurations, device credentials, or operational data. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not need physical access to the network infrastructure to perform the attack, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments where network management systems are often accessible from external networks. Organizations utilizing HP NNMi in production environments face increased risk of unauthorized access and potential data breaches when this vulnerability remains unpatched, as the compromised system could serve as a foothold for broader network infiltration activities.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves applying the official security patches provided by HP to address the cross-site scripting vulnerability in affected versions of Network Node Manager i. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the web interface to trusted networks only. Additional defensive measures include implementing web application firewalls to detect and block malicious script injection attempts, conducting regular security assessments of web applications, and maintaining up-to-date inventory of all network management systems to ensure timely patch deployment. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers spearphishing with a link, as attackers could potentially use this vulnerability to deliver malicious content through compromised network management interfaces. Regular monitoring of network traffic for suspicious activity related to the affected web interface and implementation of proper input validation practices within the application code can further reduce the risk of exploitation. Organizations should also consider implementing security awareness training for network administrators who interact with the affected system to recognize potential social engineering attempts that could exploit this vulnerability.