CVE-2017-4943 : Security Advisory and Response

CVE-2017-4943 was published on December 19, 2017, and affects VMware vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) version 6.5 before 6.5 U1d. The vulnerability allows a local user to escalate privileges using the 'showlog' plugin, potentially leading to unauthorized root access.

Understanding CVE-2017-4943

This CVE identifies a privilege escalation vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) version 6.5 before 6.5 U1d.

What is CVE-2017-4943?

CVE-2017-4943 is a security flaw in vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) that enables a local user to elevate privileges through the 'showlog' plugin, potentially granting unauthorized root access to the underlying operating system.

The Impact of CVE-2017-4943

The exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a user with low privileges to gain root-level access to the vCSA's operating system, compromising the security and integrity of the appliance.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-4943

This section provides technical details about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) version 6.5 before 6.5 U1d allows local users to escalate privileges using the 'showlog' plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA)
Vendor: VMware
Affected Version: 6.5 before 6.5 U1d

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by a local user leveraging the 'showlog' plugin to gain elevated privileges and potentially access the root level of the appliance's operating system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-4943, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches provided by VMware promptly.
Monitor and restrict local user access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user access rights.
Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

VMware released patches to address this vulnerability. Ensure that your vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) is updated to version 6.5 U1d or later to mitigate the risk of privilege escalation.