CVE-2018-6978 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2018-6978 affecting vRealize Operations versions 7.x, 6.7.x, and 6.6.x, allowing local privilege escalation. Find mitigation steps and prevention measures here.
A vulnerability in vRealize Operations versions 7.x, 6.7.x, and 6.6.x allows for local privilege escalation due to improper permissions on support scripts.
Understanding CVE-2018-6978
This CVE involves a security issue in vRealize Operations that could lead to unauthorized elevation of privileges.
What is CVE-2018-6978?
vRealize Operations versions 7.x (prior to 7.0.0.11287810), 6.7.x (prior to 6.7.0.11286837), and 6.6.x (prior to 6.6.1.11286876) are affected by a vulnerability that enables a user with shell access to escalate their privileges to root on a vROps machine.
The Impact of CVE-2018-6978
The vulnerability allows an admin user without sudo privileges to gain root access on the vROps machine, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and compromise of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-6978
This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper permissions on support scripts within vRealize Operations, enabling an admin user to exploit the issue for privilege escalation.
Affected Systems and Versions
- vRealize Operations 7.x (prior to 7.0.0.11287810)
- vRealize Operations 6.7.x (prior to 6.7.0.11286837)
- vRealize Operations 6.6.x (prior to 6.6.1.11286876)
Exploitation Mechanism
An admin user with shell access in the vROps application can leverage the vulnerability to elevate their privileges to root on the vROps machine.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2018-6978 is crucial to maintaining security.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches provided by the vendor.
- Restrict shell access for admin users to minimize the risk of exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update permissions on critical system scripts.
- Implement the principle of least privilege to limit user capabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that vRealize Operations is updated to versions that address the vulnerability to prevent potential exploitation.