VMware vCenter Local File Inclusion Scanner

VMware vCenter is a popular platform used by enterprise organizations for centralized management of virtualized environments. It is widely deployed to streamline day-to-day tasks in virtual infrastructure, including provisioning virtual machines, managing resources, and orchestrating operations within VMware environments. IT administrators and operators utilize vCenter for managing hardware abstraction and coordinating with other VMware solutions across hybrid and cloud environments. This software is crucial in large-scale IT departments, often serving as the backbone for virtual environment operations. Due to its extensive usage, any vulnerabilities within vCenter can potentially impact a broad array of enterprise-level operations and data centers. Ensuring the security of VMware vCenter thus remains a top priority for companies relying on virtualization for their operations.

Local File Inclusion (LFI) is a cybersecurity vulnerability that allows an attacker to include files on a server through the web browser. The exploitation of an LFI vulnerability could lead to the exposure of sensitive files, such as configuration files, and potentially allow for unauthorized actions, including elevation of privilege. In many cases, this vulnerability can be leveraged to access configuration files containing passwords or in some instances, lead to Remote Code Execution when certain other conditions align. It is ranked as a high-severity issue due to its ability to expose critical system details and allow modifications to underlying server operations if exploited. Addressing LFI vulnerabilities is crucial to maintaining the integrity of server systems, particularly those managing critical infrastructure like vCenter.

The Local File Inclusion vulnerability identified in VMware vCenter can be exploited through specially crafted HTTP requests targeting specific endpoints. The vulnerability primarily arises from the improper handling of file path inputs, allowing attackers to retrieve files located outside the intended scope. For instance, manipulating the path parameter in requests to endpoints such as `/eam/vib?id={{path}}\vcdb.properties` can expose configuration files. These endpoints, by design accessible over the network, make them a tempting target for attackers attempting to map the internal structure of the vCenter environment. The payload paths suggest particular system directories depending on the version of vCenter used, indicating a common pattern in filesystem structure that aids attackers in crafting their malicious requests.

Exploiting the LFI vulnerability within VMware vCenter could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive system files, configuration data, and possibly user credentials. Such access may enable attackers to execute further nefarious activities, including privilege escalation, data theft, and even remote code execution under certain conditions. Consequentially, a successful LFI attack can compromise the server's security posture, granting attackers a foothold into otherwise secure networks. This level of access disrupts the confidentiality and integrity of the virtual environment and could result in critical data leaks or system downtimes, especially in environments heavily dependent on virtualization for operational efficiency.

REFERENCES

• https://kb.vmware.com/s/article/7960893
• https://twitter.com/ptswarm/status/1316016337550938122