VMware vRealize Operations: Improper Privilege Management
CVE-2022-31672 is a high-severity improper privilege management vulnerability in VMware vRealize Operations, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.2 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with administrator privileges, without any action from a user. Affected VMware vRealize Operations versions: VMware vRealize Operations (8.x prior to 8.6.4). The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.67% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 52% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Vrealize Operations to 8.6.4 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on vmware.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vRealize Operations | VMware vRealize Operations | VMware vRealize Operations (8.x prior to 8.6.4) | Not stated |
| VMware | Vrealize Operations | 8.0.0 up to, but not including, 8.6.4 | 8.6.4 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- HighAdministrator-level access is required first.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.2 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 6.4 | Medium | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
VMware vRealize Operations contains a privilege escalation vulnerability. A malicious actor with administrative network access can escalate privileges to root.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Privilege Management
The product does not properly assign, modify, track, or check privileges for an actor, creating an unintended sphere of control for that actor.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Very carefully manage the setting, management, and handling of privileges. Explicitly manage trust zones in the software.
- Follow the principle of least privilege when assigning access rights to entities in a software system.
- Consider following the principle of separation of privilege. Require multiple conditions to be met before permitting access to a system resource.
More Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities (CWE-269)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other vulnerabilities in VMware vRealize Operations
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Improper Privilege Management vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
Spotted an error? Tell us.