CVE-2013-3080 in vCenter Server
Summary
by MITRE
VMware vCenter Server Appliance (vCSA) 5.1 before Update 1 allows remote authenticated users to create or overwrite arbitrary files, and consequently execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service, by leveraging Virtual Appliance Management Interface (VAMI) web-interface access.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3080 affects VMware vCenter Server Appliance version 5.1 before Update 1, representing a critical file system manipulation flaw within the Virtual Appliance Management Interface. This issue stems from insufficient input validation and access control mechanisms within the web-based management interface that governs the vCSA operations. The vulnerability exists in the VAMI component which serves as the primary administrative interface for configuring and managing VMware vCenter Server Appliance environments, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise the underlying system infrastructure.
The technical flaw manifests through improper handling of file creation and modification requests within the VAMI web interface. Authenticated users can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious requests that bypass normal file system permissions and directory restrictions. This allows attackers to write files to arbitrary locations on the system filesystem, potentially including system directories or configuration files. The vulnerability falls under CWE-22 which describes improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal attacks. Attackers can leverage this flaw to place malicious code in critical system locations, effectively gaining the ability to execute arbitrary commands with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass full system compromise and potential denial of service conditions. Successful exploitation enables attackers to install backdoors, modify system configurations, or overwrite critical system files that could lead to complete system instability or crash. The ability to create or overwrite arbitrary files provides attackers with multiple attack vectors including the installation of persistent malware, modification of authentication mechanisms, or disruption of essential services. This vulnerability directly maps to attack techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1070 for indicator removal on host. The impact is particularly severe in enterprise environments where vCenter Server Appliances serve as central management points for large virtualized infrastructures, making this a high-value target for both malicious actors and nation-state threat groups.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-3080 require immediate implementation of VMware's official security patches and updates, specifically targeting the vCenter Server Appliance 5.1 Update 1 release which addresses the underlying file system access control issues. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to VAMI interfaces to only authorized administrative personnel and establish strict access control policies through role-based permissions. Additional protective measures include monitoring for unusual file creation patterns, implementing web application firewalls to detect malicious requests targeting the VAMI interface, and conducting regular security assessments of management interfaces. System administrators should also consider disabling unused VAMI features and regularly review access logs for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of maintaining current security patches and implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect mission-critical infrastructure components.