CVE-2020-3992 is a critical use-after-free vulnerability found in the OpenSLP service of VMware ESXi. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the system remotely, given that they have access to the management network and can reach port 427 on the affected ESXi machine. The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 9.8, indicating a critical risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of ESXi.
Risk to organizations includes potential remote code execution, which could lead to unauthorized access and control over the virtualized environment. The impact could be severe, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability, highlighting the need for immediate attention to this security issue.
This vulnerability has been confirmed as actively exploited in the wild, and it is essential for organizations to assess their exposure and implement necessary patches without delay. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation.
The vulnerability was disclosed on October 20, 2020, and affects specific versions of VMware ESXi, namely 7.0 before ESXi_7.0.1-0.0.16850804, 6.7 before ESXi670-202010401-SG, and 6.5 before ESXi650-202010401-SG.
Organizations using these versions must take immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The OpenSLP component in VMware ESXi contains a use-after-free issue that allows remote code execution. The CVSS score is 9.8, categorized as critical, with high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The affected products include VMware ESXi versions 7.0, 6.7, and 6.5 prior to certain patch levels, with a CWE classification of CWE-416.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a flaw in memory management within the OpenSLP service, leading to a use-after-free condition. The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges and no user interaction, which significantly increases the risk of exploitation. The attack complexity is low, meaning that attackers with basic skills can leverage this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The potential blast radius for organizations is extensive, as the vulnerability allows for remote code execution. Given the critical nature of the systems involved, exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and operational disruption. Organizations that do not address this vulnerability are at high risk of severe security incidents, including data breaches and system downtime.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | Yes |
Ransomware Use | Yes |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects VMware ESXi versions 7.0 before ESXi_7.0.1-0.0.16850804, 6.7 before ESXi670-202010401-SG, and 6.5 before ESXi650-202010401-SG. Organizations should verify their current versions and ensure they apply necessary updates.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations must apply the latest patches from the vendor. The remediation includes updating to versions that address this vulnerability. If patches are not immediately available, organizations should implement network controls to restrict access to the management network and monitor traffic for any unauthorized access attempts. For further guidance, organizations can refer to the penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual access patterns on port 427. Behavioral anomalies in network traffic, especially from unknown sources, should be flagged for investigation. Additionally, monitoring system changes that could indicate compromise is essential.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The ongoing significance of CVE-2020-3992 underscores the importance of regular patch management and vulnerability assessments. This incident reflects a broader trend of increasing exploitation of vulnerabilities in virtualization technologies. Security teams should prioritize continuous monitoring and response strategies to mitigate risks effectively. For additional insights, organizations can explore our resources on penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design to enhance their security posture.
In light of the critical nature of this vulnerability, organizations should stay informed about developments and ensure that all systems are updated promptly.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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