CVE-2011-4165 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-1263.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4165 represents a critical security flaw within HP Database Archiving Software version 6.31 that enables remote code execution through unspecified attack vectors. This vulnerability falls under the broader category of software security weaknesses that can be exploited by malicious actors without physical access to the target system. The issue was recognized and documented by the Zero Day Initiative as ZDI-CAN-1263, indicating its significance in the cybersecurity landscape. The unspecified nature of the attack vectors suggests that the vulnerability could potentially be exploited through multiple pathways, making it particularly dangerous as defenders struggle to identify all possible exploitation methods.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with common remote code execution flaws that typically arise from improper input validation, buffer overflows, or memory corruption issues within software applications. The HP Database Archiving Software operates as a critical component for managing and storing database information, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories. These types of vulnerabilities often stem from the software's handling of network requests or data processing functions that may not adequately validate incoming information before processing. From a cybersecurity perspective, such vulnerabilities represent a significant risk to organizations that rely on database archiving solutions for their information management infrastructure.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4165 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as successful exploitation could lead to complete system takeover, data exfiltration, and potential disruption of business operations. Organizations utilizing HP Database Archiving Software 6.31 would face severe consequences including unauthorized access to archived database content, potential data corruption, and the possibility of establishing persistent backdoors within their network infrastructure. The remote execution capability means that attackers could exploit this vulnerability from anywhere on the internet, eliminating the need for physical presence or network access within the target organization's premises. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where database archiving systems are critical components of information governance and compliance frameworks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should prioritize immediate patching and updating of affected HP Database Archiving Software installations to the latest available versions that address the identified security flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to database archiving systems and employ robust monitoring solutions to detect anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability's classification as a remote code execution flaw aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques that emphasize initial access and execution phases, making it essential for security teams to review their incident response procedures and network security controls. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege access controls and conducting regular security assessments of database management systems can help reduce the attack surface and limit potential damage from such vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider deploying intrusion detection systems and endpoint protection solutions that can identify and block exploitation attempts targeting known remote code execution vulnerabilities.