CVE-2021-22014 in vCenter Server
Summary
by MITRE • 09/24/2021
The vCenter Server contains an authenticated code execution vulnerability in VAMI (Virtual Appliance Management Infrastructure). An authenticated VAMI user with network access to port 5480 on vCenter Server may exploit this issue to execute code on the underlying operating system that hosts vCenter Server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/02/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-22014 represents a critical authenticated code execution flaw within VMware vCenter Server's Virtual Appliance Management Infrastructure component. This vulnerability resides in the VAMI framework which serves as the management interface for VMware virtual appliances, making it a prime target for attackers seeking persistent access to enterprise virtualization environments. The flaw specifically affects the vCenter Server platform and allows authenticated users with network connectivity to port 5480 to escalate their privileges and execute arbitrary code on the underlying operating system hosting the vCenter Server instance. The vulnerability's severity stems from its ability to transform legitimate administrative access into full system compromise, potentially enabling attackers to gain complete control over the virtualization infrastructure.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2021-22014 occurs through a code execution vulnerability within the VAMI component that processes user inputs without proper validation or sanitization. This flaw enables an authenticated attacker to inject malicious code that gets executed in the context of the vCenter Server's operating system, bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. The vulnerability exists because the VAMI interface fails to properly validate or sanitize input parameters that are processed by the underlying system, creating a path for command injection or arbitrary code execution attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by sending specially crafted requests to the VAMI interface through port 5480, which then gets processed by the vulnerable code path, leading to unauthorized code execution with the privileges of the vCenter Server process.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as it provides attackers with complete control over the vCenter Server's underlying operating system and all resources it manages. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to virtual machines, network configurations, and sensitive data stored within the virtualized environment. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on VMware vCenter Server for their virtualization infrastructure management, potentially compromising entire data center operations. Attackers could use this capability to establish persistent backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive information, disrupt services, or use the compromised vCenter Server as a launch point for further attacks within the network. The authenticated nature of the vulnerability means that attackers must first obtain legitimate credentials, but this is often achievable through various social engineering, credential theft, or other initial compromise techniques.
Organizations should implement multiple layers of defense to protect against exploitation of CVE-2021-22014, starting with immediate patching of affected vCenter Server versions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code execution flaws, which are commonly exploited in enterprise environments. Security teams should also implement network segmentation to restrict access to port 5480, limiting the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to the VAMI interface. Monitoring for unusual network traffic patterns or authentication attempts to the VAMI port can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should enforce strict access controls and principle of least privilege for VAMI users, ensuring that only necessary personnel have access to the management interface. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under privilege escalation and execution techniques, making it particularly concerning for defenders who must monitor for both initial access and post-exploitation activities within their virtualization environments. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify any remaining unpatched systems and ensure comprehensive protection against similar vulnerabilities.