CVE-2010-2928 in vCenter Server
Summary
by MITRE
The vCenter Tomcat Management Application in VMware vCenter Server 4.1 before Update 1 stores log-on credentials in a configuration file, which allows local users to gain privileges by reading this file.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2928 represents a critical security flaw in VMware vCenter Server 4.1 before Update 1, specifically within the vCenter Tomcat Management Application component. This issue stems from poor security practices in credential storage mechanisms, where sensitive authentication information is persisted in plain text configuration files rather than being properly secured through encryption or access control measures. The vulnerability manifests when local users with access to the system can directly read these configuration files, thereby obtaining administrative credentials that grant elevated privileges within the vCenter environment.
The technical flaw associated with CVE-2010-2928 falls under the category of insecure credential storage, which aligns with CWE-312 (CWE-312: Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information) and CWE-522 (CWE-522: Insufficiently Protected Credentials). The vulnerability occurs because the vCenter Tomcat Management Application fails to implement proper security controls for protecting authentication credentials, storing them in a manner that exposes them to any user with file system access. This design flaw creates a path for privilege escalation attacks where local adversaries can exploit the exposed credentials to assume administrative roles within the vCenter infrastructure, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms and gaining complete control over the virtualized environment.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities within the compromised vCenter environment. Once local users obtain the stored credentials, they can access virtual machines, modify configurations, create or delete virtual infrastructure components, and potentially escalate their privileges further within the broader network. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that maintain local administrative access to vCenter servers or those where physical security controls are inadequate, as these conditions make it easier for unauthorized individuals to exploit the flaw. The implications are severe given that vCenter servers typically serve as central management points for large virtualized infrastructures, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to gain control over extensive computing resources.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2928 should focus on both immediate remediation and long-term security improvements. The primary recommendation involves applying VMware's official security patches and updates, specifically Update 1 for vCenter Server 4.1, which addresses this credential storage vulnerability through proper encryption mechanisms and access controls. Organizations should also implement strict file system permissions to limit access to configuration files containing sensitive information, ensuring that only authorized administrative processes can read these files. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and privilege separation can reduce the attack surface, while regular security audits and monitoring of file system access patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege and secure configuration management, which are fundamental to preventing similar issues in virtualization environments and align with security frameworks like NIST SP 800-53 controls for configuration management and access control.