CVE-2021-22049 is a critical SSRF (Server Side Request Forgery) vulnerability affecting the vSphere Web Client (FLEX/Flash) within the vSAN Web Client (vSAN UI) plug-in. This vulnerability allows attackers with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server to potentially exploit the issue by making requests to URLs outside of vCenter Server or accessing internal services. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating its critical severity. Organizations must recognize the importance of addressing this vulnerability promptly to mitigate risk.
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to sensitive internal services, which could lead to further exploitation or data breaches. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables attackers to leverage the trust relationship between the vCenter Server and the internal services it interacts with. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on November 24, 2021, and has been classified as modified as of the latest update. Organizations utilizing affected versions of vCenter Server, specifically 6.5, 6.7, and 7.0, are strongly advised to implement the necessary patches to prevent exploitation. The urgency for defenders is high, given the potential impact of this vulnerability.
Currently, there are no known exploits publicly available for this vulnerability, but the potential for exploitation exists. Organizations should remain vigilant and monitor for updates from VMware regarding mitigation strategies.
Vulnerability Details
The vSphere Web Client (FLEX/Flash) contains an SSRF vulnerability in the vSAN Web Client (vSAN UI) plug-in. Affected versions include vCenter Server 6.5, 6.7, and 7.0. The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 score of 9.8, indicating critical severity due to its high potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The CWE classification for this vulnerability is CWE-918.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper validation of URL requests by the vSAN Web Client plug-in. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity for exploitation. Importantly, no privileges are required for an attacker to exploit this flaw, and user interaction is not necessary.
When exploited, this vulnerability can lead to high impacts on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers may gain access to sensitive internal services, potentially compromising organizational data. Given the criticality of this vulnerability, organizations must take immediate action to remediate.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2021-22049 is significant. Organizations relying on VMware vCenter Server for managing virtualized environments are particularly vulnerable to exploitation attempts. The potential blast radius includes access to sensitive internal services and data loss.
In light of the CVSS score of 9.8, organizations should address this vulnerability in priority patch cycles. The existence of this vulnerability, coupled with its critical nature, necessitates immediate attention from security teams to prevent unauthorized access and potential data breaches.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of VMware vCenter Server include 6.5, 6.7, and 7.0. Organizations running these versions should update to the latest patched release to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. VMware has released patches that address this vulnerability. For detailed instructions on applying these patches, refer to the vendor advisory. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing network controls and monitoring solutions to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploits, organizations should monitor logs for unusual URL requests, especially those targeting internal services. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected outbound traffic from vCenter Server, should also be investigated.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-22049 represents a critical vulnerability within VMware's ecosystem, highlighting the importance of secure coding practices. Organizations must implement comprehensive vulnerability management programs to identify and mitigate such vulnerabilities proactively. For further insights into managing vulnerabilities effectively, consider reviewing our vulnerability management program and penetration testing methodology resources to enhance your security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)