XXE attack in VMware vSphere Client

1) XXE attack

EUVDB-ID: #VU1186

Risk: Low

CVSSv3.1: 3.8 [CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:U/RL:O/RC:C]

CVE-ID: CVE-2016-7458

CWE-ID: CWE-611 - Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference ('XXE')

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information.

The vulnerability exists due to incorrect handling of XML requests. A remote attacker can trick the victim to connect to malicious vCenter Server or ESXi server, send to client specially crafted XML External Entity (XXE) data and obtain potentially sensitive information from victim's system.

Successful exploitation of the vulnerability may allow an attacker to obtain potentially sensitive information.

Mitigation

The vulnerability is fixed in vSphere Client 5.5 U3e and 6.0 U2a.

Note: in order to remediate the vulnerability, the vSphere Client should be reinstalled.

Vulnerable software versions

vSphere Client: 5.5 - 6.0 U2

External links

http://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2016-0022.html

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote non-authenticated attacker via the Internet.

How the attacker can exploit this vulnerability?

The attacker would have to trick the victim to open a a specially crafted file.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.