CVE-2021-21978 is a critical vulnerability affecting VMware View Planner 4.x prior to version 4.6 Security Patch 1. This vulnerability allows remote code execution due to improper input validation and lack of authorization in the logupload web application. An unauthorized attacker with network access to the View Planner Harness could exploit this vulnerability by uploading and executing a specially crafted file. This leads to remote code execution within the logupload container, posing significant risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems.
The severity level of this vulnerability is critical, with a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating that it can be easily exploited over the network with low complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. Organizations must understand the real-world risk context of this vulnerability, as it allows attackers to gain unauthorized access and control over affected systems.
Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, urgency is high; organizations should prioritize patching immediately. This will help mitigate the risks associated with potential exploitation.
The vulnerability was published on March 3, 2021, and has been modified as of November 21, 2024, indicating ongoing attention from the security community. It is essential for organizations using VMware View Planner to remain vigilant and apply the necessary patches as soon as they become available.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability in question allows for remote code execution due to improper input validation and authorization failures. Specifically, the affected versions of VMware View Planner contain flaws within the logupload web application, which can be exploited to upload arbitrary files. The official CVE description confirms these details, emphasizing the serious nature of this vulnerability.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, classified as critical. This assessment indicates high potential impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, given that successful exploitation results in remote code execution.
The following products are impacted: VMware View Planner, with affected versions being all versions prior to 4.6 Security Patch 1.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2021-21978 lies in the improper input validation and lack of authorization in the logupload web application. This vulnerability can be exploited through a network attack vector, requiring no privileges or user interaction, thus significantly lowering the barrier to exploitation.
The attack complexity is assessed as low, meaning that the exploitation process is straightforward for attackers. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as it allows for unauthorized access and potentially devastating impacts on affected systems.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations utilizing VMware View Planner face significant risks due to this vulnerability. The potential for unauthorized file uploads can lead to widespread compromise, making it critical to understand the blast radius of an exploit. Attackers could gain full control over affected systems, impacting not only the immediate environment but also potentially extending to connected systems and networks.
Given the CVSS score of 9.8, the urgency for remediation is critical. Organizations must act swiftly to apply patches and mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability. The exploitation of such vulnerabilities can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and operational disruptions.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of VMware View Planner are affected by this vulnerability: All versions prior to 4.6 Security Patch 1.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should immediately apply the latest security patches provided by VMware to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting network access to the logupload application and monitoring for unusual file upload activity.
For more comprehensive security measures, organizations may also consider engaging in penetration testing to thoroughly evaluate their security posture against such vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
To detect exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file upload activities. Key indicators include unexpected HTTP requests to the logupload endpoint and any unauthorized access attempts to the web application.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-21978 underscores the importance of robust input validation and authorization mechanisms in web applications. The increasing trend of remote code execution vulnerabilities highlights the need for organizations to adopt proactive security measures. For more insights on improving application security, organizations can refer to our penetration testing methodology and consider regular application security assessments to safeguard against emerging threats.
Addressing vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-21978 is not just about applying patches; it's about understanding the broader implications of security risks and integrating security into the software development lifecycle. Organizations should also stay informed about security trends and best practices through our ongoing resources on vulnerability management programs and proactive risk assessments.
Finally, organizations should consider investing in red teaming services to simulate real-world attack scenarios and enhance their security readiness.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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