CVE-2023-27312 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record was assigned by NetApp and published on October 12, 2023. The vulnerability affects the SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere versions 4.6 prior to 4.9 and allows authenticated unprivileged users to modify email and snapshot name settings within the VMware vSphere user interface.

Understanding CVE-2023-27312

This section dives into the details of the CVE-2023-27312 vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-27312?

CVE-2023-27312 is a privilege escalation vulnerability found in the SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere software. It specifically impacts versions 4.6 before 4.9, enabling authenticated unprivileged users to manipulate email and snapshot name configurations within the VMware vSphere interface.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27312

The vulnerability poses a medium risk with a CVSS base score of 5.4. While the confidentiality and integrity impact are low, it could allow unauthorized users to make unauthorized changes in the VMware vSphere environment, potentially leading to security breaches or data loss.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27312

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of the CVE-2023-27312 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere versions 4.6 before 4.9 allows authenticated unprivileged users to modify email and snapshot name settings in the VMware vSphere user interface, posing a risk of unauthorized configuration changes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere versions 4.6 prior to 4.9 is affected by this vulnerability. Users using these specific versions are at risk of privilege escalation by unauthorized individuals.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an authenticated unprivileged user can leverage their access within the VMware vSphere interface to manipulate email and snapshot name settings, potentially leading to unauthorized changes that compromise the system's security.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2023-27312 vulnerability is critical to maintaining the security of affected systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere to version 4.9 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor user activities within the VMware vSphere interface for unauthorized changes.
Limit access privileges for unprivileged users to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and plugins to ensure they are running on the latest secure versions.
Conduct security training for users to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining system integrity and security.
Implement access control measures to restrict user privileges based on their roles and responsibilities.

Patching and Updates

NetApp has released patches and updates to address the CVE-2023-27312 vulnerability in the affected SnapCenter Plugin for VMware vSphere versions. It is crucial for users to apply these patches promptly to secure their systems against potential exploits.