CVE-2022-22948 in vCenter Server
Summary
by MITRE • 03/29/2022
The vCenter Server contains an information disclosure vulnerability due to improper permission of files. A malicious actor with non-administrative access to the vCenter Server may exploit this issue to gain access to sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/30/2024
The CVE-2022-22948 vulnerability represents a critical information disclosure flaw within VMware vCenter Server that stems from inadequate file permission controls. This vulnerability exists within the core authorization mechanisms of the virtualization management platform, creating a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive data. The flaw specifically manifests when non-administrative users can exploit improper file permissions to access confidential information that should be restricted to privileged administrators only. The vulnerability impacts organizations relying on VMware vCenter Server for their virtual infrastructure management, potentially exposing critical system data including configuration details, user credentials, and operational metadata.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a misconfiguration in the file system access controls that govern how different user roles interact with system resources. When users with standard or limited privileges attempt to access certain files within the vCenter Server environment, the system fails to properly enforce authorization boundaries. This misconfiguration allows for privilege escalation through file access manipulation, where unauthorized users can traverse the file system to discover and retrieve sensitive information. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the file system level rather than through application-level interfaces, making detection more challenging and exploitation more direct. The flaw demonstrates poor adherence to the principle of least privilege, where system resources should only be accessible to users with legitimate administrative need.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to potentially enable more sophisticated attacks within the virtualized environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain access to sensitive configuration data, user authentication information, and system metadata that could be used for further exploitation. This includes potential access to virtual machine configurations, network settings, and administrative credentials that could provide lateral movement opportunities within the virtual infrastructure. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the permission misconfigurations exist, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access and continue information gathering over extended periods. Organizations may face compliance violations and regulatory penalties if sensitive data is compromised through this vulnerability, particularly in environments subject to strict data protection regulations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-22948 should focus on immediate permission remediation and comprehensive access control review. Organizations must ensure that all vCenter Server files are properly configured with appropriate access controls that align with the principle of least privilege. This includes implementing strict file system permissions that prevent unauthorized access to sensitive data and ensuring that administrative functions require proper authentication and authorization. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and represents a clear violation of the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques. Regular security audits should be conducted to identify and remediate similar permission misconfigurations throughout the vCenter Server environment, and organizations should implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive files. Additionally, applying the latest VMware security patches and updates is essential to address the root cause of this vulnerability.