CVE-2021-22017 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability, identified as CVE-2021-22017, exists in Rhttproxy in VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation. This vulnerability stems from an improper implementation of URI normalization, allowing a malicious actor to bypass proxy mechanisms and access internal endpoints.

Understanding CVE-2021-22017

This section will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-22017 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-22017?

CVE-2021-22017 is a security flaw present in Rhttproxy within VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation. It results from the incorrect handling of URI normalization, enabling unauthorized actors to sidestep proxy protections.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22017

The exploitation of CVE-2021-22017 could enable threat actors with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server to circumvent the proxy, potentially leading to unauthorized access to internal endpoints.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22017

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-22017.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Rhttproxy arises from the improper implementation of URI normalization, which can be exploited by malicious entities to bypass proxy safeguards.

Affected Systems and Versions

VMware vCenter Server versions 6.7 before 6.7 U3o, 6.5 before 6.5 U3q, and VMware Cloud Foundation 3.x before 3.10.2.2 are known to be impacted by CVE-2021-22017.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging this vulnerability, threat actors with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server can evade proxy mechanisms, potentially compromising internal endpoints.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will outline strategies to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2021-22017.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should promptly apply security patches provided by VMware to address the CVE-2021-22017 vulnerability and safeguard their systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust network security measures, regularly monitoring for unusual network activity, and conducting security audits can bolster defenses against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating VMware vCenter Server and VMware Cloud Foundation to the latest secure versions is crucial to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2021-22017.