CVE-2021-21972: VMware vCenter Server Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
The vSphere Client (HTML5) contains a remote code execution vulnerability in a vCenter Server plugin. A malicious actor with network access to port 443 may exploit this issue to execute commands with unrestricted privileges on the underlying operating system that hosts vCenter Server. This affects VMware vCenter Server (7.x before 7.0 U1c, 6.7 before 6.7 U3l and 6.5 before 6.5 U3n) and VMware Cloud Foundation (4.x before 4.2 and 3.x before 3.10.1.2).
Other sources
VMware vCenter Server vSphere Client contains a remote code execution vulnerability in a vCenter Server plugin which allows an attacker with network access to port 443 to execute commands with unrestricted privileges on the underlying operating system.
— CISA
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
VMware vCenter Serverto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 7.0 U1c - Upgrade
Upgrade
VMware vCenter Serverto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 6.7 U3l - Upgrade
Upgrade
VMware vCenter Serverto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 6.5 U3n - Upgrade
Upgrade
VMware Cloud Foundationto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 4.2 - Upgrade
Upgrade
VMware Cloud Foundationto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 3.10.1.2 - Compensating control
Restrict network access to port 443 (where vCenter Server is exposed) to trusted sources only to limit exploitation opportunities.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-21972?
CVE-2021-21972 is a remote code execution vulnerability in VMware vCenter Server, which allows a malicious actor to execute commands with unrestricted privileges on the underlying operating system.
How severe is CVE-2021-21972?
CVE-2021-21972 has a severity rating of 9.8, which is considered critical.
Which software is affected by CVE-2021-21972?
VMware vCenter Server versions 6.5, 6.7, and 7.0, as well as VMware Cloud Foundation versions 3.0 to 3.10.1.2 and 4.0 to 4.2, are affected by CVE-2021-21972.
How can CVE-2021-21972 be exploited?
An attacker with network access to port 443 can exploit CVE-2021-21972 to execute commands with unrestricted privileges on the hosting operating system.
Are there any references for CVE-2021-21972?
Yes, you can find more information about CVE-2021-21972 at the following URLs: [http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161590/VMware-vCenter-Server-7.0-Arbitrary-File-Upload.html](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161590/VMware-vCenter-Server-7.0-Arbitrary-File-Upload.html), [http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161695/VMware-vCenter-Server-File-Upload-Remote-Code-Execution.html](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/161695/VMware-vCenter-Server-File-Upload-Remote-Code-Execution.html), [http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163268/VMware-vCenter-6.5-6.7-7.0-Remote-Code-Execution.html](http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/163268/VMware-vCenter-6.5-6.7-7.0-Remote-Code-Execution.html).