How severe is CVE-2013-6617?

CVE-2013-6617 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.

Is CVE-2013-6617 being actively exploited?

It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

What products are affected by CVE-2013-6617?

CVE-2013-6617 primarily affects Saltstack Salt. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.

How do I fix CVE-2013-6617?

Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.

When was CVE-2013-6617 published?

CVE-2013-6617 was published on 2013-11-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

CVE-2013-6617

CVE-2013-6617 is a critical-severity vulnerability in Saltstack Salt with a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-264.

Key facts

Severity: Critical (CVSS 2.0 base score 10.0)
EPSS exploit prediction: 3% (86th percentile)
Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
Weakness: CWE-264
Affected product: Saltstack Salt
Published: 2013-11-05
Last modified: 2026-06-17

Description

The salt master in Salt (aka SaltStack) 0.11.0 through 0.17.0 does not properly drop group privileges, which makes it easier for remote attackers to gain privileges.

Frequently asked questions

What is CVE-2013-6617?: The salt master in Salt (aka SaltStack) 0.11.0 through 0.17.0 does not properly drop group privileges, which makes it easier for remote attackers to gain privileges.
How severe is CVE-2013-6617?: CVE-2013-6617 has a CVSS 2.0 base score of 10.0, rated critical severity.
Is CVE-2013-6617 being actively exploited?: It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 3% (86th percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
What products are affected by CVE-2013-6617?: CVE-2013-6617 primarily affects Saltstack Salt. In total, 11 product configurations (CPEs) are listed as vulnerable; see the affected-products list for the exact versions.
How do I fix CVE-2013-6617?: Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its critical severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
When was CVE-2013-6617 published?: CVE-2013-6617 was published on 2013-11-05 and last updated on 2026-06-17.

References

http://docs.saltstack.com/topics/releases/0.17.1.html

Affected products (11)

cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.11.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.12.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.13.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.14.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.15.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.15.1:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.16.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.16.2:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.16.3:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.16.4:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:saltstack:salt:0.17.0:*:*:*:*:*:*:*

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