CVE-2022-31698 : Security Advisory and Response

A denial-of-service vulnerability has been identified in VMware vCenter Server, potentially allowing a malicious actor to trigger a denial-of-service condition by exploiting a specific network access point.

Understanding CVE-2022-31698

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2022-31698, shedding light on the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-31698?

The CVE-2022-31698 vulnerability resides in the content library service of vCenter Server. Exploitation of this flaw can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) scenario when an attacker sends a specially crafted header to port 443 on the vCenter Server.

The Impact of CVE-2022-31698

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it enables threat actors with network access to exploit the system's content library service, potentially leading to a denial-of-service condition. This could disrupt normal operations and affect the availability of the affected services.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-31698

Explore the technical aspects of CVE-2022-31698, including a detailed description of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the content library service of VMware vCenter Server allows attackers to exploit port 443 by sending a specifically crafted header. This action triggers a denial-of-service condition, impacting the service availability.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware vCenter Server versions 7.0 (prior to 7.0 U3i), 6.7 (prior to 6.7.0 U3s), and 6.5 (prior to 6.5 U3u), along with VMware Cloud Foundation versions 4.x and 3.x, are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2022-31698.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit CVE-2022-31698 by leveraging network access to port 443 on the vCenter Server. By sending a specially crafted header, attackers can trigger a denial-of-service condition, disrupting the content library service.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2022-31698, ensuring the security and integrity of VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to apply security patches and updates provided by VMware to address the CVE-2022-31698 vulnerability. Organizations should closely monitor network traffic on port 443 to detect any suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing network segmentation, access controls, and intrusion detection systems can bolster the security posture of vCenter Server and Cloud Foundation, reducing the likelihood of successful exploitation.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security advisories from VMware and promptly apply patches to remediate vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-31698, safeguarding the infrastructure against potential threats.