External risk intelligence

VMware vCenter Server Information Disclosure Vulnerability

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2021-21973

A vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation allows unauthorized access to sensitive information through improper URL validation. This poses a risk of information disclosure to affected organizations.

2Halo Surface Signal

Server-Side Request Forgery

Vmware Cloud Foundation

3.0 to before 3.10.1.24.0 to before 4.26.56.77.0

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2021-21973

VMware vCenter Server is infrastructure management software that is typically deployed within internal, protected management networks. While it uses web-based interfaces and is network-accessible, it is not designed to be exposed directly to the public internet in common, secure deployment patterns.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

The vSphere Client (HTML5), a component of VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, contains a vulnerability that allows for the improper validation of URLs. This weakness can enable a malicious actor to conduct requests on behalf of the server. The primary risk is the potential disclosure of sensitive information.

  • VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation
  • Improper URL validation
  • Information disclosure

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

A vulnerability in the vSphere Client allows an attacker to access the system without authentication. The attacker can send a crafted POST request to a vCenter Server plugin. This action triggers a server-side request forgery, leading to the disclosure of sensitive information.

  • Network access to port 443 required.
  • Unauthenticated POST request triggers vulnerability.
  • Results in information disclosure.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

A vulnerability exists in vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation that could allow unauthorized access to sensitive information. This exploit targets specific URL validation flaws within a vCenter Server plugin. Successful exploitation could lead to disclosure of internal data, posing a risk to the organization's information assets.

  • Attackers require no special skills.
  • Network access to port 443 is needed.
  • Business risk is moderate; not urgent.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

A server-side request forgery vulnerability exists in vCenter Server plugins, potentially allowing unauthorized actors to disclose information. Organizations should prioritize identifying and mitigating systems affected by this vulnerability. The current impact on business operations is medium severity, with a known exploit present in the wild.

  • Identify affected vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation assets.
  • Reduce exposure to the vulnerable plugin.
  • Apply vendor updates and validate.

Frequently asked questions

What is the vSphere Client (HTML5) vulnerability and what products does it affect?

The vSphere Client (HTML5), used in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, has a vulnerability due to improper URL validation in a vCenter Server plugin. This affects VMware vCenter Server versions 7.x prior to 7.0 U1c, 6.7 prior to 6.7 U3l, and 6.5 prior to 6.5 U3n, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation versions 4.x prior to 4.2 and 3.x prior to 3.10.1.2.

What is the weakness class for CVE-2021-21973 and how can it be exploited?

CVE-2021-21973 is classified as a Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability (CWE-918). A malicious actor with network access to port 443 can exploit this by sending a POST request to a vCenter Server plugin, which can lead to information disclosure.

What is the trigger path and scope for CVE-2021-21973 exploitation?

Exploitation requires network access to port 443. A malicious actor can send a crafted POST request to a vCenter Server plugin. This triggers the vulnerability, allowing the attacker to forge requests on behalf of the server, potentially leading to the disclosure of sensitive information within the environment.

What is the relevance of CVE-2021-21973, and is it currently exploited in the wild?

VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation are typically deployed within internal, protected networks, making direct public internet exposure less common in secure configurations. While the vulnerability (CVE-2021-21973) has been listed on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog, indicating potential real-world threat, its direct exploitation in the wild is considered unlikely given typical deployment patterns.

What practical steps should be taken to address this vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all affected VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation assets. It is recommended to reduce exposure to the vulnerable plugin and apply vendor-provided updates. Validating the successful application of these updates is also a crucial step in mitigating the risk associated with this vulnerability.

References