CVE-2021-22009 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about the impact of CVE-2021-22009 on VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, understand the technical details, and explore mitigation strategies against this denial-of-service vulnerability.
A detailed overview of CVE-2021-22009, including its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
Understanding CVE-2021-22009
This section will cover the essential aspects of the CVE-2021-22009 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2021-22009?
The CVE-2021-22009 vulnerability affects VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, exposing them to denial-of-service attacks through the VAPI service.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22009
Malicious actors exploiting this vulnerability can initiate denial-of-service attacks by causing excessive memory consumption in the VAPI service through network access to port 443 on the affected servers.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22009
Explore the technical specifics of the CVE-2021-22009 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vCenter Server has several denial-of-service vulnerabilities within the VAPI service, allowing attackers to trigger a denial of service by overwhelming memory usage.
Affected Systems and Versions
VMware vCenter Server versions 7.x (before 7.0 U2c), 6.7 (before 6.7 U3o), and 6.5 (before 6.5 U3q), along with VMware Cloud Foundation versions 4.x (before 4.3) and 3.x (before 3.10.2.2), are impacted.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting the CVE-2021-22009 vulnerability involves leveraging network access to port 443 on the vCenter Server to overload the VAPI service, leading to a denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover the steps to mitigate and prevent risks associated with CVE-2021-22009.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to apply patches promptly and monitor network traffic for any unusual activity to prevent exploitation of the vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular security updates can enhance the overall security posture of VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security advisories from VMware, apply patches as soon as they are released, and maintain an up-to-date security configuration to reduce the risk of exploitation.