CVE-2008-2101 in ESX
Summary
by MITRE
The VMware Consolidated Backup (VCB) command-line utilities in VMware ESX 3.0.1 through 3.0.3 and ESX 3.5 place a password on the command line, which allows local users to obtain sensitive information by listing the process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-2101 affects VMware Consolidated Backup VCB command-line utilities deployed on VMware ESX versions 3.0.1 through 3.0.3 and ESX 3.5. This issue represents a critical security flaw in how sensitive authentication credentials are handled within the backup utility framework. The vulnerability stems from the improper handling of command-line arguments where passwords are passed directly as parameters rather than being securely managed through alternative authentication mechanisms. This design flaw creates a significant exposure point that can be exploited by local attackers with minimal privileges to access sensitive information.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when VCB utilities execute backup operations, requiring authentication credentials to establish connections with target systems. When these utilities are invoked from the command line, the password parameter becomes visible in the process list accessible to all local users through standard system monitoring tools such as ps or similar process enumeration utilities. This exposure violates fundamental security principles of credential handling and creates an attack surface where unauthorized users can easily extract authentication information. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-255, which addresses issues related to credentials management and the improper handling of authentication tokens in command-line interfaces. This weakness enables attackers to perform credential harvesting attacks without requiring elevated privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential disclosure, as it enables local attackers to potentially gain unauthorized access to backup systems and data repositories. Since VCB utilities are commonly used for enterprise backup operations, the exposure of passwords can lead to complete compromise of backup infrastructure and potentially sensitive data stored within backup archives. Attackers can leverage these exposed credentials to perform unauthorized backup operations, modify backup configurations, or even access backup storage systems directly. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal privileges and can be executed through simple process enumeration techniques, making it a high-risk vulnerability for enterprise environments where ESX systems are deployed. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1555.003, which covers credentials from password stores, as the exposed passwords represent a form of credential exposure within system processes.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through system updates and configuration changes. VMware has released patches addressing this specific issue, and organizations should prioritize upgrading to patched versions of ESX 3.0.1 through 3.0.3 and ESX 3.5. Additionally, system administrators should implement process monitoring and privilege controls to limit local user access to backup utility processes. Alternative authentication mechanisms such as certificate-based authentication or secure credential storage should be implemented to replace command-line password passing. Organizations should also establish monitoring procedures to detect unauthorized access attempts and credential exposure through process enumeration. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices for command-line utility development, particularly regarding credential handling and process security. Regular security assessments of system utilities and privileged processes should be conducted to identify similar exposure points that may compromise system integrity and data confidentiality.