CVE-2011-4164 in Database Archiving Software
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Database Archiving Software 6.31 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors, aka ZDI-CAN-1214.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4164 represents a critical security flaw in HP Database Archiving Software version 6.31 that exposes systems to remote code execution attacks. This unspecified vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious actors without requiring local system access or authentication credentials. The issue was particularly concerning because it allowed attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems, potentially leading to complete system compromise and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability was catalogued under the Zero Day Initiative's CAN-1214 identifier, indicating its significance in the cybersecurity landscape and the potential for widespread exploitation.
The technical nature of this vulnerability remains unspecified in the public description, which is common for certain types of security flaws that may involve buffer overflows, input validation errors, or other complex software defects that can be exploited remotely. Such unspecified vulnerabilities typically represent the most dangerous class of security flaws because their exact nature is unknown to vendors and users, making them difficult to detect and patch effectively. The lack of specific technical details in the CVE description suggests that the vulnerability may involve multiple attack vectors or could be a complex issue that requires extensive analysis to fully understand its exploitation mechanisms. This type of vulnerability often stems from improper input handling or memory management issues that can be leveraged to inject malicious code into the target system's execution flow.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4164 extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive database information. Organizations running HP Database Archiving Software 6.31 were at risk of having their database systems completely taken over by attackers who could execute commands with the privileges of the affected application. This vulnerability could enable attackers to access, modify, or delete database content, potentially leading to significant financial losses, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers could target these systems from anywhere on the internet, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous for organizations that do not properly segment their network infrastructure or maintain up-to-date security controls.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate patching of the HP Database Archiving Software to the latest available version that addresses the security flaw. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to database systems and ensure that only authorized personnel can reach these critical components. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual network activity or potential exploitation attempts targeting the affected software. According to CWE standards, this vulnerability would likely map to CWE-119 which describes weaknesses in memory management or improper input validation, while ATT&CK framework considerations would include techniques such as T1059 for command and script injection and T1190 for exploitation of remote services. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any other systems running the affected software and ensure comprehensive security coverage across their entire infrastructure.