Description Preview
The Rhttproxy component used in VMware vCenter Server has a security vulnerability related to improper implementation of URI normalization. This vulnerability allows malicious actors with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server to bypass the proxy mechanism, enabling them to access internal endpoints that should be restricted. This issue could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive components within the vCenter Server infrastructure.
Overview
CVE-2021-22017 affects VMware vCenter Server's Rhttproxy component, which fails to properly normalize URIs before processing them. This vulnerability enables attackers who can reach the vCenter Server's HTTPS port (443) to craft special requests that bypass intended proxy restrictions. By exploiting this vulnerability, attackers can reach internal endpoints that should be inaccessible, potentially compromising the security of the entire vCenter Server environment. This is a critical security issue as vCenter Server is a central management tool for VMware virtualization environments, and unauthorized access could lead to significant security breaches across the virtualized infrastructure.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, organizations should:
- Apply the patches provided by VMware as detailed in the VMSA-2021-0020 security advisory.
- Ensure vCenter Server is not directly exposed to untrusted networks.
- Implement network segmentation to restrict access to vCenter Server management interfaces.
- Monitor logs for suspicious access attempts to vCenter Server.
- Follow VMware's recommended security configurations for vCenter Server deployments.
- Consider implementing additional network security controls such as web application firewalls or intrusion prevention systems to protect vCenter Server instances.
References
- VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2021-0020: https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.html
- VMware Knowledge Base articles referenced in the advisory for specific patch information
- CVE-2021-22017 in the National Vulnerability Database
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis 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.
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.
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
