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Critical Command Injection Vulnerability: Mitigating CVE-2023-20887 in VMware Aria Operations for Networks

CVE Image for report on CVE-2023-20887

Executive Summary

CVE-2023-20887 is a critical command injection vulnerability identified in VMware Aria Operations for Networks. This vulnerability, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, allows a malicious actor with network access to the affected system to perform a command injection attack, potentially leading to remote code execution (RCE). The critical nature of this vulnerability makes it a significant threat to organizations using the affected software versions. Immediate action is required to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.

Technical Information

CVE-2023-20887 is a command injection vulnerability in VMware Aria Operations for Networks. The vulnerability arises due to improper neutralization of special elements used in a command, classified under CWE-77. A malicious actor with network access to the affected system can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, leading to remote code execution. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8, indicating its critical severity. The attack vector is network-based, with low attack complexity, no required privileges, and no user interaction needed. The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high.

The affected software versions include VMware Aria Operations for Networks from 6.2.0 up to 6.10.0 and VMware vRealize Network Insight from 6.2.0 up to 6.10.0. The vulnerability has been observed being exploited in the wild, with publicly available exploits making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability.

Exploitation in the Wild

The exploitation of CVE-2023-20887 has been observed in the wild. Publicly available exploits have been released, making it easier for attackers to leverage this vulnerability. Specific usage of this vulnerability includes unusual network traffic to and from VMware Aria Operations for Networks instances and unexpected processes or commands being executed on the affected systems.

For detailed exploit sources, refer to the following: - CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog (Report Date: 2023-06-22) - VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2023-0012: https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0012.html#:~:text=VMSA%2D2023%2D0012.2-,VMware%20has%20confirmed%20that%20exploitation%20of%20CVE%2D2023%2D20887%C2%A0has%20occurred%20in%2,-0the%20wild.,-6.%20Contact (Report Date: 2023-06-20) - Packet Storm Security: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/173761/VMWare-Aria-Operations-For-Networks-Remote-Command-Execution.html (Report Date: 2024-06-27) - GitHub Repositories: - https://github.com/Malwareman007/CVE-2023-20887 (Report Date: 2023-09-25) - https://github.com/miko550/CVE-2023-20887 (Report Date: 2023-06-14) - https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/linux/http/vmware_vrni_rce_cve_2023_20887.rb (Report Date: 2023-07-20) - https://github.com/sinsinology/CVE-2023-20887 (Report Date: 2023-06-13)

APT Groups using this vulnerability

While specific APT groups exploiting this vulnerability have not been identified, the critical nature of CVE-2023-20887 makes it a potential target for advanced persistent threat (APT) groups. The sectors and countries targeted by APT groups often include government, financial services, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, making it imperative for organizations in these sectors to prioritize mitigation efforts.

Affected Product Versions

The affected product versions include VMware Aria Operations for Networks from 6.2.0 up to 6.10.0 and VMware vRealize Network Insight from 6.2.0 up to 6.10.0. Organizations using these versions are at high risk and should take immediate action to apply the necessary patches.

Workaround and Mitigation

VMware has released patches to address this vulnerability. Users are strongly advised to apply the updates provided by VMware to mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-20887. Additionally, organizations should monitor their systems for any signs of compromise, such as unusual network traffic or unexpected processes. Implementing network segmentation and employing intrusion detection systems can also help in mitigating the risks.

References

For further details and updates, please refer to the following sources: - NVD - CVE-2023-20887: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-20887 - VMware Security Advisory VMSA-2023-0012: https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2023-0012.html - Packet Storm Security - VMWare Aria Operations For Networks Remote Command Execution: http://packetstormsecurity.com/files/173761/VMWare-Aria-Operations-For-Networks-Remote-Command-Execution.html - CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog: https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog - Malwareman007/CVE-2023-20887: https://github.com/Malwareman007/CVE-2023-20887 - miko550/CVE-2023-20887: https://github.com/miko550/CVE-2023-20887 - rapid7/metasploit-framework: https://github.com/rapid7/metasploit-framework/blob/master/modules/exploits/linux/http/vmware_vrni_rce_cve_2023_20887.rb - sinsinology/CVE-2023-20887: https://github.com/sinsinology/CVE-2023-20887

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we understand the critical importance of safeguarding your organization against emerging threats. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to help you stay ahead of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-20887. We provide comprehensive threat intelligence, continuous monitoring, and proactive mitigation strategies to ensure your systems remain secure. If you have any questions about this report or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com.

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