Advisory Details

September 22nd, 2021

VMware vCenter Server Appliance Incorrect Permission Assignment Privilege Escalation Vulnerability

ZDI-21-1108
ZDI-CAN-13634

CVE ID CVE-2021-22015
CVSS SCORE 7.8, AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
AFFECTED VENDORS VMware
AFFECTED PRODUCTS vCenter Server Appliance
VULNERABILITY DETAILS

This vulnerability allows local attackers to escalate privileges on affected installations of VMware vCenter Server Appliance. An attacker must first obtain the ability to execute low-privileged code on the target system in order to exploit this vulnerability.

The specific flaw exists within the permissions of root-owned service files. The product sets incorrect permissions on sensitive files. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges and execute arbitrary code in the context of root.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS VMware has issued an update to correct this vulnerability. More details can be found at:
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.html
DISCLOSURE TIMELINE
  • 2021-05-26 - Vulnerability reported to vendor
  • 2021-09-22 - Coordinated public release of advisory
CREDIT Sergey Gerasimov and George webpentest Noseevich of SolidLab
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