CVE-2013-5863 in Solaris
Summary
by MITRE
Unspecified vulnerability in Oracle Solaris 11.1 allows remote attackers to affect integrity via vectors related to IPS repository daemon.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/31/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-5863 resides within Oracle Solaris 11.1 operating system and specifically targets the IPS repository daemon component. This daemon serves as a critical subsystem responsible for managing package repositories and handling package installation operations within the Solaris ecosystem. The unspecified nature of the vulnerability indicates that Oracle did not provide detailed technical specifics about the exact flaw during the initial disclosure, though the classification suggests a significant security weakness that could be exploited remotely.
The vulnerability's impact on system integrity stems from the fact that the IPS repository daemon operates with elevated privileges and manages critical package management functions. When remote attackers can manipulate this daemon through unspecified vectors, they potentially gain the ability to modify package contents, compromise package signatures, or inject malicious code into the software distribution system. This represents a fundamental breach in the software supply chain security model that Oracle Solaris employs for maintaining system consistency and trustworthiness.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a serious risk for organizations relying on Solaris 11.1 systems where the IPS repository daemon is actively used. Attackers could exploit this weakness to deliver malicious packages that would be automatically accepted and installed by the system, effectively bypassing normal security controls and package verification mechanisms. The integrity of the entire software installation process becomes compromised, potentially allowing for persistent backdoor installations or privilege escalation attacks.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with attack patterns commonly associated with supply chain compromises and package manager attacks, which are categorized under CWE-494 in the Common Weakness Enumeration system. Such vulnerabilities often map to ATT&CK techniques involving software supply chain attacks and privilege escalation through package management systems. The remote nature of the attack vector means that exploitation does not require physical access to the target system, making it particularly dangerous in networked environments where the IPS repository daemon may be exposed to external network traffic.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the relevant Oracle security patches, restricting network access to the IPS repository daemon, and implementing additional monitoring of package installation activities. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security controls for package management systems and highlights the potential for remote code execution through seemingly benign system components that are essential for software distribution and maintenance operations.