CVE-2008-3514 in VirtualCenter
Summary
by MITRE
VMware VirtualCenter 2.5 before Update 2 and 2.0.2 before Update 5 relies on client-side "enabled/disabled functionality" for access control, which allows remote attackers to determine valid user names by enabling functionality in the GUI and then making an "attempt to assign permissions to other system users."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/04/2018
This vulnerability in VMware VirtualCenter 2.5 before Update 2 and 2.0.2 before Update 5 represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the virtualization management platform. The vulnerability stems from the improper implementation of access control mechanisms where the system relies on client-side GUI state management rather than server-side validation for determining user permissions. This design flaw creates a fundamental weakness in the authentication and authorization process that affects the core security architecture of the virtualization environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs through a specific client-side manipulation technique that allows remote attackers to exploit the system's trust in client-side functionality. Attackers can enable certain GUI elements that should be restricted and then attempt to assign permissions to other system users, effectively bypassing the intended access controls. This manipulation exploits the lack of proper server-side validation, where the system should independently verify user permissions regardless of what the client interface indicates. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the user management and permission assignment functions within the VirtualCenter interface, creating a path for unauthorized enumeration of valid user accounts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user enumeration, as it provides attackers with a foothold for more sophisticated attacks within the virtualized environment. Remote attackers can systematically determine valid usernames by observing which GUI elements become enabled and then attempting permission assignments, potentially leading to privilege escalation or further exploitation of the virtualization infrastructure. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in implementing proper access control validation. The weakness creates an information disclosure risk that could enable attackers to build comprehensive user dictionaries for subsequent password spraying or brute force attacks against the virtualization management system.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-668, which addresses "Exposure of Resource to Wrong Sphere," and represents a classic case of insufficient access control validation. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to multiple ATT&CK techniques including credential access through user enumeration and privilege escalation via system access. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of server-side validation and the dangers of relying on client-side controls for security-sensitive operations. Organizations using affected VMware VirtualCenter versions face significant risk of unauthorized access to their virtualized environments, potentially leading to complete compromise of the virtual infrastructure and all systems hosted within it. The security implications extend beyond immediate access control violations to encompass potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized virtual machine manipulation.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate application of VMware's security patches and updates for VirtualCenter 2.5 Update 2 and 2.0.2 Update 5, which address the client-side dependency issues and implement proper server-side access control validation. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to VirtualCenter management interfaces, limiting exposure to trusted administrative networks. Regular security assessments of virtualization management systems should include verification of proper access control implementation and client-server validation mechanisms. Organizations should also implement monitoring for unusual permission assignment attempts and user enumeration activities within their virtualization environments to detect potential exploitation of similar vulnerabilities.