CVE-2010-0444 in Operations Agent
Summary
by MITRE
HP Operations Agent 8.51, 8.52, 8.53, and 8.60 on Solaris 10 uses a blank password for the opc_op account, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/30/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0444 affects HP Operations Agent versions 8.51 through 8.60 when deployed on Solaris 10 systems. This critical security flaw stems from the improper configuration of the opc_op account, which is utilized by the HP Operations Agent for system monitoring and management functions. The vulnerability represents a fundamental authentication weakness where the account is configured with a blank password, creating an easily exploitable entry point for malicious actors. This configuration issue directly violates security best practices and establishes a significant risk vector for remote code execution attacks.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of a default account with no password protection, allowing unauthorized users to authenticate without any credential verification. Attackers can leverage this weakness through unspecified attack vectors that typically involve network-based exploitation, potentially enabling them to gain system-level privileges. The blank password configuration creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until manually corrected by system administrators, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited repeatedly without detection. This flaw operates at the authentication layer and can be classified under CWE-521 Weak Password Requirements, representing a critical weakness in credential management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass complete system compromise and potential data exfiltration. Remote attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, potentially leading to full system takeover, service disruption, or data manipulation. The affected HP Operations Agent versions are commonly deployed in enterprise environments for system monitoring, making the exploitation of this vulnerability particularly concerning as it provides attackers with a legitimate system management account that would blend in with normal operational activities. This vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1078 Valid Accounts, as it leverages legitimate system accounts with minimal detection risk.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigations including changing the password for the opc_op account to a strong, complex credential, disabling the account if not required for operations, or applying the official HP security patches. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper account management and default configuration review, as many systems continue to ship with insecure default settings that attackers can easily exploit. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all system accounts and ensure that default credentials are changed immediately upon system deployment. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns can help detect exploitation attempts before they result in full system compromise. This vulnerability serves as a stark reminder of how seemingly minor configuration issues can create significant security risks in enterprise environments.