CVE-2021-22049 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-22049, an SSRF vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation. Find impact details, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
This CVE involves an SSRF (Server Side Request Forgery) vulnerability found in the vSphere Web Client (FLEX/Flash) of VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation. Malicious actors with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server can exploit this vulnerability by making URL requests beyond the server or accessing an internal service.
Understanding CVE-2021-22049
This section provides insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-22049?
The SSRF vulnerability in the vSAN Web Client (vSAN UI) plug-in of the vSphere Web Client exposes vCenter Server to potential exploitation by unauthorized network users.
The Impact of CVE-2021-22049
The vulnerability enables threat actors to launch attacks by manipulating the server's URL requests, potentially leading to unauthorized data access or service disruption.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-22049
Here, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The SSRF flaw allows attackers to bypass the server's security boundaries, creating a pathway for unexpected data transfers or unauthorized network access.
Affected Systems and Versions
VMware vCenter Server versions 6.7 before 6.7 U3p, 6.5 before 6.5 U3r, and VMware Cloud Foundation 3.x are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
Malicious actors exploit the SSRF weakness by sending network requests on port 443 to vCenter Server, enabling them to access URLs outside the server's scope or internal services.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines immediate steps and long-term strategies to enhance security against CVE-2021-22049.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations are advised to monitor network traffic, restrict access to sensitive servers, and apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability's risk.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing network segmentation, access controls, and regular security audits can bolster defense mechanisms against SSRF attacks.
Patching and Updates
Update VMware vCenter Server to versions 6.7 U3p, 6.5 U3r, or later to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.