CVE-2020-5396:VMware GemFire JMX service insecure default configuration allows remote code execution through MLet mbean creation.

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VMware GemFire versions prior to 9.10.0, 9.9.2, 9.8.7, and 9.7.6, and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs versions prior to 1.11.1 and 1.10.2, when deployed without a SecurityManager, contain a JMX service with an insecure default configuration. This vulnerability allows a malicious user to create an MLet mbean, which can lead to remote code execution on the affected system. The vulnerability is classified as CWE-862 (Missing Authorization).

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2020-5396) affects the JMX service in VMware GemFire and VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs. When these products are deployed without a SecurityManager, the JMX service uses an insecure default configuration. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by creating an MLet mbean through the JMX service, which can then be used to execute arbitrary code remotely on the affected system. This is a serious security issue as it allows unauthorized users to potentially gain complete control over the affected system. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where network access to the JMX service is not properly restricted.

Remediation

To address this vulnerability, users should upgrade to the following patched versions:

  • VMware GemFire: version 9.10.0, 9.9.2, 9.8.7, or 9.7.6 or later
  • VMware Tanzu GemFire for VMs: version 1.11.1, 1.10.2 or later

If immediate upgrading is not possible, the following mitigations should be considered:

  1. Deploy GemFire with a SecurityManager enabled
  2. Restrict network access to the JMX service using firewall rules
  3. Configure JMX authentication and authorization
  4. Monitor systems for suspicious JMX-related activities
  5. Isolate GemFire instances in a separate network segment with limited access

References

  1. VMware Tanzu Security Advisory: https://tanzu.vmware.com/security/cve-2020-5396
  2. Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE-862): Missing Authorization
  3. MITRE CVE Entry: CVE-2020-5396

Industry ExposureMost to least
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.

  1. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  2. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  3. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  4. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  5. Construction
    Construction
  6. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  7. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  8. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  9. Information
    Information
  10. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  11. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  12. Mining
    Mining
  13. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  14. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  15. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  16. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  17. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  18. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  19. Utilities
    Utilities
  20. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

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