CVE-2020-3976 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2020-3976 affecting VMware ESXi, vCenter Server, and Cloud Foundation. Discover the impact, affected versions, and mitigation steps.
VMware ESXi and vCenter Server have a partial denial of service vulnerability in their authentication services, rated as Moderate severity.
Understanding CVE-2020-3976
What is CVE-2020-3976?
VMware ESXi and vCenter Server are affected by a partial denial of service vulnerability in their authentication services.
The Impact of CVE-2020-3976
This vulnerability has a Moderate severity rating with a maximum CVSSv3 base score of 5.3.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-3976
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in VMware ESXi and vCenter Server leads to a partial denial of service in their authentication services.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Products affected: ESXi, vCenter Server, and Cloud Foundation
- Versions affected: ESXi 7.0, 6.7, 6.5, vCenter Server 7.0, 6.7, 6.5, Cloud Foundation 4.x.x, and 3.x.x release lines
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the authentication services, leading to a partial denial of service.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary security patches provided by VMware
- Monitor VMware's security advisories for updates
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch VMware products
- Implement network security measures to prevent unauthorized access
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by VMware.