CVE-2021-22016 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability was discovered in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, potentially allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts through a victim's interaction with a specially crafted link.

Understanding CVE-2021-22016

This CVE identifies a security flaw in VMware products that could lead to cross-site scripting attacks.

What is CVE-2021-22016?

The vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation arises from a lack of input sanitization. This enables threat actors to carry out reflected cross-site scripting attacks by deceiving users into clicking on malicious links.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22016

If exploited, CVE-2021-22016 can result in the execution of arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's web browser, potentially leading to further compromise of sensitive information or unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22016

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability in terms of its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability exists due to the insufficient sanitization of user-supplied input in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation, enabling an attacker to inject and execute malicious scripts on the target system.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware vCenter Server versions prior to 6.7 U3o and VMware Cloud Foundation versions before 3.10.2.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specially designed link that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, triggers the execution of arbitrary scripts within the victim's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-22016, immediate and long-term security measures should be implemented, including applying relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using the affected VMware products should promptly apply the latest security patches provided by VMware to remediate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to patching, organizations should adopt a proactive approach to security, including regular security audits, user awareness training, and robust web security controls.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from VMware and promptly apply updates to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the overall security posture of your systems.