CVE-2005-3620 in ESX Server
Summary
by MITRE
The management interface for VMware ESX Server 2.0.x before 2.0.2 patch 1, 2.1.x before 2.1.3 patch 1, and 2.x before 2.5.3 patch 2 records passwords in cleartext in URLs that are stored in world-readable web server log files, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2005-3620 represents a critical security flaw in VMware ESX Server management interfaces across multiple versions including 2.0.x before 2.0.2 patch 1, 2.1.x before 2.1.3 patch 1, and 2.x before 2.5.3 patch 2. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the web-based management console, creating a significant attack vector that directly impacts system security and access control mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects the way the system processes and logs user authentication information during web interface interactions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the management interface storing passwords in cleartext format within URLs that are subsequently written to web server log files. These log files are configured with world-readable permissions, meaning any local user on the system can access them without requiring authentication or elevated privileges. The cleartext storage of passwords in URLs occurs when users authenticate to the ESX Server management interface, with the system constructing URLs that contain the password parameter in an unencrypted format. This design flaw directly violates security best practices and creates an immediate privilege escalation opportunity for local attackers who can simply read the log files to extract sensitive authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with direct access to system management interfaces with full administrative privileges. Local users who can read the world-readable log files gain the ability to authenticate as any user who has accessed the management interface, potentially compromising entire virtualized environments. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using VMware ESX Server in enterprise environments where system administrators may use the web interface for routine management tasks, creating a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the vulnerable versions are deployed. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require network access or complex attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited by any local user with basic file system access.
The flaw aligns with CWE-312 (Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (Insufficiently Protected Credentials) categories, representing a clear violation of fundamental security principles regarding credential handling and storage. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1566 (Phishing) as attackers can leverage stolen credentials to establish persistent access and potentially expand their foothold within the environment. Organizations deploying vulnerable ESX Server versions face significant risk of unauthorized system access, data compromise, and potential lateral movement within their virtualized infrastructure. The vulnerability demonstrates a critical failure in the principle of least privilege, as the system provides unnecessary access to sensitive information through improper log file permissions and insecure credential handling practices.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate patching to the latest available versions of VMware ESX Server, specifically applying the respective patch releases mentioned in the CVE description. Organizations should also implement proper log file permissions to ensure that web server logs are not world-readable and that only authorized personnel have access to these sensitive files. System administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive log files. Furthermore, organizations should review their overall security configuration and ensure that all management interfaces implement proper credential handling mechanisms that do not store sensitive information in cleartext within URLs or log files. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar issues in other components of the virtualization infrastructure.