CVE-2013-7284 in Pirpc
Summary
by MITRE
The PlRPC module, possibly 0.2020 and earlier, for Perl uses the Storable module, which allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request, which is not properly handled when it is deserialized.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7284 resides within the PlRPC module for Perl, specifically affecting versions 0.2020 and earlier. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper handling of serialized data during the deserialization process. The PlRPC module leverages the Storable module as a core component for data serialization and deserialization operations, creating a potential attack vector that remote adversaries can exploit to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The vulnerability manifests when the module receives a crafted request containing maliciously formatted serialized data that bypasses normal validation checks during the deserialization phase.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-502, which describes "Deserialization of Untrusted Data" as a fundamental weakness in software design. When the Storable module processes serialized Perl data structures, it fails to adequately validate the integrity and safety of the incoming data before attempting to reconstruct objects from the serialized format. This omission allows attackers to craft malicious payloads that, when deserialized, trigger unintended code execution within the context of the running Perl process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of data serialization protocols and security boundaries, where trusted internal data structures become vectors for remote code execution.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7284 extends beyond simple code execution, as it enables attackers to potentially compromise entire systems that rely on the PlRPC module for remote procedure calls. This vulnerability can be exploited in various network scenarios including web applications, network services, and distributed systems that utilize Perl-based RPC mechanisms. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation does not require local system access, making it particularly dangerous for services exposed to untrusted network traffic. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access, escalate privileges, or perform further reconnaissance within the compromised environment.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of the PlRPC module, applying relevant security patches, and implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of vulnerable systems. Organizations should also consider implementing input validation and sanitization measures for any data processing pipelines that utilize the Storable module or similar serialization libraries. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of secure coding practices and proper validation of serialized data, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1566 for initial access through social engineering or exploitation of vulnerable services. Additional protective measures include monitoring network traffic for suspicious deserialization patterns and implementing application firewalls that can detect and block malicious serialized data payloads.