CVE-2017-4951 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

VMware AirWatch Console versions 9.2.x before 9.2.2 and 9.1.x before 9.1.5 are affected by a Cross Site Request Forgery vulnerability that could allow attackers to deceive users into installing malicious applications.

Understanding CVE-2017-4951

This CVE involves a security vulnerability in VMware AirWatch Console that could lead to Cross Site Request Forgery attacks.

What is CVE-2017-4951?

CVE-2017-4951 is a security vulnerability in VMware AirWatch Console versions 9.2.x before 9.2.2 and 9.1.x before 9.1.5, allowing attackers to perform Cross Site Request Forgery attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2017-4951

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to trick users into unknowingly installing harmful applications on their devices, compromising device security and user data.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-4951

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in VMware AirWatch Console allows for Cross Site Request Forgery attacks when accessing the App Catalog, enabling attackers to manipulate user actions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: AirWatch Console
Vendor: VMware
Affected Versions: 9.2.x before 9.2.2, 9.1.x before 9.1.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by deceiving users into installing malicious applications on their devices through crafted requests.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2017-4951 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update AirWatch Console to versions 9.2.2 or 9.1.5 to patch the vulnerability.
Educate users about potential risks and advise caution when installing applications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement security awareness training to recognize and avoid social engineering attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit application installations on devices to detect suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

VMware has released patches to address the vulnerability; ensure timely installation of these updates to secure systems.