Multiple Vulnerabilities in VMware vCenter Server Could Allow for Remote Code Execution

by CIRT Team

09 Jun 2021

in Security Advisories & Alerts

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DESCRIPTION:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in VMware vCenter Server,
the most severe of which could allow for remote code execution. VMware
vCenter Server is a centralized management utility for VMware, and is
used to manage virtual machines, multiple ESXi hosts, and all dependent
components from a single centralized location. Successful exploitation
of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker to execute remote code
in context of the user running the application.

IMPACT:
Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in VMware vCenter Server,
which could result in remote code execution. Details of these
vulnerabilities are as follows:
* A remote code execution vulnerability in vCenter Server which enables
a malicious actor to execute commands with unrestricted privileges.
(CVE-2021-21985)
* An authentication mechanism issue in vCenter Server Plug-ins which
enable a malicious actor to perform unauthorized actions. (CVE-2021-21086)
Depending on the privileges associated with the user, an attacker could
then install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new
accounts with full user rights. Users whose accounts are configured to
have fewer user rights on the system could be less impacted than those
who operate with administrative user rights. A pre-requisite of
exploiting these vulnerabilities is that the malicious actor must have
network access over port 443 to exploit these vulnerabilities.
Successful exploitation of these vulnerabilities could allow an attacker
to execute arbitrary code in context of the user running the application.

SYSTEM AFFECTED:
* VMware vCenter Server versions 6.5, 6.7, 7.0

RECOMMENDATIONS:
We recommend the following actions be taken:
* Apply appropriate updates provided by VMware to vulnerable systems
immediately after appropriate testing.
* Run all software as a non-privileged user (one without administrative
privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
* Remind users not to visit un-trusted websites or follow links provided
by unknown or un-trusted sources.
* Inform and educate users regarding the threats posed by hypertext
links contained in emails or attachments especially from un-trusted sources.
* Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.

REFERENCES:
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0010.html
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-21985
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2021-21986