CVE-2021-21975 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-21975, a SSRF vulnerability in VMware vRealize Operations API prior to 8.4 that allows attackers to steal admin credentials. Find out how to mitigate this security risk.
Server Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in VMware vRealize Operations Manager API (CVE-2021-21975) prior to 8.4 allows a malicious actor to launch SSRF attacks, potentially leading to the theft of administrative credentials.
Understanding CVE-2021-21975
This section delves into the details of the SSRF vulnerability found in VMware vRealize Operations prior to version 8.4.
What is CVE-2021-21975?
CVE-2021-21975 is a Server Side Request Forgery vulnerability that exists in the vRealize Operations Manager API, potentially exploitable by threat actors to carry out unauthorized requests and access administrative credentials.
The Impact of CVE-2021-21975
The exploitation of CVE-2021-21975 could result in unauthorized access to sensitive administrative credentials, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-21975
This section provides a deeper insight into the technical aspects of the CVE-2021-21975 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper input validation in the vRealize Operations Manager API, enabling attackers to manipulate request headers and URLs to perform SSRF attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
VMware vRealize Operations versions prior to 8.4 are impacted by this vulnerability, making them susceptible to SSRF exploitation.
Exploitation Mechanism
Malicious actors with network access to the vRealize Operations Manager API can exploit the SSRF flaw to send unauthorized requests, potentially leading to credential theft.
Mitigation and Prevention
In this section, we cover the steps that organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-21975.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should consider implementing network controls, such as firewall rules and input validation mechanisms, to prevent unauthorized access to the vRealize Operations Manager API.
Long-Term Security Practices
Regular security audits, employee training on SSRF attacks, and keeping systems up to date with security patches are crucial for long-term security.
Patching and Updates
VMware has released version 8.4 to address the SSRF vulnerability. Organizations are advised to promptly update their vRealize Operations installations to the latest version to mitigate the risk.