CVE-2021-21972 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A Remote code execution vulnerability in VMware products allows malicious actors to execute commands with unrestricted privileges, affecting VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation.

Understanding CVE-2021-21972

This CVE identifies a critical vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation that could lead to remote code execution.

What is CVE-2021-21972?

The vSphere Client (HTML5) in vCenter Server has a plugin vulnerability that enables attackers to execute commands on the underlying OS with full privileges.

The Impact of CVE-2021-21972

Exploitation of this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access and control of VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation environments.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-21972

This section outlines crucial technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in a vCenter Server plugin accessible through port 443, allowing remote code execution with system-level permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware vCenter Server: 7.x (before 7.0 U1c), 6.7 (before 6.7 U3l), 6.5 (before 6.5 U3n)
VMware Cloud Foundation: 4.x (before 4.2), 3.x (before 3.10.1.2)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with network access to port 443 can exploit the vulnerability, gaining unauthorized control and executing commands remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2021-21972 is critical to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement the necessary patches provided by VMware immediately.
Restrict network access to vulnerable ports and components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch VMware products to mitigate future vulnerabilities.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities or unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from VMware and apply updates promptly to secure your systems.