CVE-2011-4790 in Network Automation
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in HP Network Automation 7.5x, 7.6x, 9.0, and 9.10 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/29/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4790 represents a critical security flaw within HP Network Automation software versions 7.5x through 9.10. This unspecified vulnerability creates a significant attack surface that enables remote code execution capabilities for malicious actors without requiring authentication or specific credentials. The affected software platforms are widely deployed in enterprise network management environments where they control critical infrastructure components and network operations.
The technical nature of this vulnerability remains unspecified in the public disclosure, which is common with certain classes of vulnerabilities where the exact exploit mechanisms have not been fully detailed or where the disclosure process has not revealed specific implementation flaws. However, the classification as a remote code execution vulnerability within network automation software indicates that attackers can potentially gain complete system control without physical access or user interaction. This type of vulnerability typically stems from improper input validation, buffer overflows, or insecure coding practices within the network management application's core components.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-4790 extends far beyond simple system compromise, as HP Network Automation serves as a central management platform for enterprise networks. Successful exploitation could allow attackers to manipulate network configurations, intercept communications, escalate privileges, and potentially establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects multiple major versions of the software, indicating a fundamental flaw in the application architecture that has persisted across different release cycles. Organizations relying on these network automation platforms face severe risks including data breaches, service disruption, and potential compromise of the entire network infrastructure.
Security practitioners should recognize this vulnerability as potentially mapping to CWE-119, which encompasses weaknesses in memory management that can lead to code execution through buffer overflows or other memory corruption issues. The remote execution capability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, specifically focusing on command and script injection methods that can be leveraged through network management interfaces. Mitigation strategies must include immediate patch deployment from HP, network segmentation to isolate affected systems, and comprehensive monitoring for suspicious network activity. Organizations should also implement strict access controls, disable unnecessary network services, and conduct thorough security assessments of their network automation environments to identify potential exploitation vectors. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches in enterprise network management systems where a single flaw can compromise entire network infrastructures.