CVE-2012-2001 in SNMP Agents for Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in HP SNMP Agents for Linux before 9.0.0 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2025
The CVE-2012-2001 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in HP SNMP Agents for Linux versions prior to 9.0.0, classified under the Common Weakness Enumeration framework as CWE-79 - Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation. This vulnerability exposes systems running affected HP SNMP agent implementations to potential exploitation by malicious actors who can inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML content into web interfaces. The flaw specifically resides in how the software processes and renders user-supplied input within web-based management interfaces, creating an avenue for attackers to execute malicious code within the context of a victim's browser session. The vulnerability's impact extends beyond simple data theft as it can enable attackers to perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users with access to the affected system. The unspecified vectors suggest that the attack surface may involve multiple input points within the SNMP agent's web interface, including but not limited to configuration parameters, user names, or system identifiers that are improperly sanitized before being rendered in web pages. This type of vulnerability is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where SNMP agents are commonly used for network monitoring and management, as it can allow attackers to compromise the integrity of network management interfaces and potentially escalate privileges within the monitored infrastructure.
The operational implications of CVE-2012-2001 are significant for organizations relying on HP SNMP Agents for Linux, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of the management interface and potentially the underlying systems. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute persistent malicious scripts that can capture user credentials, redirect users to phishing sites, or manipulate configuration settings within the SNMP agent. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 - Command and Scripting Interpreter: PowerShell, as the injected scripts can perform automated attacks against the target environment. Network administrators and security professionals must recognize that this vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication to the SNMP agent itself, making it particularly concerning for systems with exposed web interfaces. The attack vector typically involves crafting malicious input that gets reflected in the web interface, which can occur through various methods including crafted SNMP trap messages or direct web interface manipulation. Organizations using vulnerable versions face the risk of persistent backdoors being established through the injected scripts, allowing attackers to maintain access to the management interface over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-2001 should prioritize immediate patching of affected HP SNMP Agent installations to version 9.0.0 or later, as this represents the most effective solution to address the underlying flaw. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to SNMP agent web interfaces, ensuring that only authorized administrative systems can reach these management endpoints. The implementation of web application firewalls and input validation controls can provide additional layers of protection by filtering malicious content before it reaches the vulnerable web interface components. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious web requests that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability, particularly focusing on unusual parameter values or script injection attempts in SNMP-related traffic. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining instances of the vulnerable software within the organization's infrastructure, as the vulnerability may persist in legacy systems or third-party integrations. The remediation process should also include comprehensive testing to ensure that patches do not introduce compatibility issues with existing network management workflows and that proper input sanitization mechanisms are implemented across all web-facing components of the SNMP agent software. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing strict access controls and authentication mechanisms for SNMP agent interfaces to minimize the potential impact of any remaining vulnerabilities in the system's configuration management processes.