HP OpenView Network Node Manager versions 6.2 through 7.50 contain a critical vulnerability that allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands. This issue is caused by improper handling of shell metacharacters in specific parameters across multiple .ovpl files, including connectedNodes.ovpl, cdpView.ovpl, freeIPaddrs.ovpl, and ecscmg.ovpl. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level.
The potential impact of this vulnerability is significant, as attackers may leverage it to gain unauthorized access and control over affected systems. With the ability to execute arbitrary commands, the risk to organizations includes data breaches, service disruption, and unauthorized changes to configurations. Therefore, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
This vulnerability is actively tracked in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, indicating that it is recognized as a critical issue that requires urgent attention. Organizations utilizing affected versions of HP OpenView Network Node Manager must take immediate steps to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Given the nature and severity of the vulnerability, it is imperative for organizations to assess their environments for affected systems and implement the necessary patches or workarounds to secure their infrastructure.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2005-2773 states: "HP OpenView Network Node Manager 6.2 through 7.50 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary commands via shell metacharacters in the (1) node parameter to connectedNodes.ovpl, (2) cdpView.ovpl, (3) freeIPaddrs.ovpl, and (4) ecscmg.ovpl." This clearly indicates the vulnerability type as remote code execution, which is classified under CWE-77.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.8, categorized as critical due to its high potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation.
The vulnerability was published on September 2, 2005, and has been analyzed as part of the ongoing efforts to improve security in enterprise environments.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the mishandling of user input within the affected .ovpl files. Attackers can manipulate the input parameters to inject arbitrary shell commands, leading to remote code execution. The attack vector is primarily network-based, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability without physical access to the target system.
The attack complexity is classified as low, meaning that the vulnerability can be exploited easily without significant effort or advanced skills. No user interaction is required for exploitation, which further elevates the risk. The vulnerability impacts confidentiality, integrity, and availability, with high potential damage to affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2005-2773 is substantial. Given its critical rating and the potential for remote code execution, organizations running vulnerable versions of HP OpenView Network Node Manager are at significant risk of data breaches and operational disruptions. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain full control over affected systems, leading to severe consequences.
The blast radius is extensive, as the vulnerability affects multiple versions and components of HP OpenView Network Node Manager. Organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and prioritize patching based on the CVSS score and KEV status. Prompt remediation is essential to reduce the risk of successful exploitation.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should not only prioritize immediate patching but also consider implementing additional security measures to protect their environments against potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerable versions of HP OpenView Network Node Manager include all versions from 6.2 to 7.50. Organizations that have not applied the latest security patches are at risk and should take immediate action to update their systems.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2005-2773, organizations should apply the latest security updates provided by HP. Following vendor instructions for remediation is critical to ensure that systems are secure.
In addition to applying patches, organizations should consider implementing configuration hardening practices, network controls, and monitoring recommendations to enhance their security posture. For a comprehensive approach, organizations may also explore options such as penetration testing to validate the effectiveness of their remediation efforts.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of exploitation attempts related to this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies and unexpected system changes may indicate an ongoing attack. Additionally, network signatures should be established to detect malicious activity targeting the vulnerable components.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2005-2773 represents a critical vulnerability that has been actively exploited over the years. Security teams should take this incident as a lesson in the importance of regular patch management and proactive security measures. The trend of increasing exploitation of known vulnerabilities highlights the need for organizations to maintain vigilance and implement robust security practices.
For further guidance on security best practices, organizations can refer to resources such as the penetration testing methodology and the importance of vulnerability management programs to ensure a secure environment.
Ultimately, cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and organizations must collaborate to enhance their defenses against such critical vulnerabilities.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)