VMware vRealize Orchestrator, VMware vRealize…: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
CVE-2023-20855 is a high-severity improper restriction of XML external entity reference vulnerability in VMware vRealize Orchestrator, VMware vRealize Automation, VMware Cloud Foundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an attacker with a low-privileged account, without any action from a user. Affected VMware vRealize Orchestrator, VMware vRealize Automation, VMware Cloud Foundation versions: VMware vRealize Orchestrator 8.x. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.26% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 70% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Vrealize Automation to 8.11.1 or a later version.
- Update Vrealize Orchestrator to 8.11.1 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 Orchestrator, VMware vRealize Automation, VMware Cloud Foundation | VMware vRealize Orchestrator, VMware vRealize Automation, VMware Cloud Foundation | VMware vRealize Orchestrator 8.x | Not stated |
| VMware | Vrealize Automation | 8.0 up to, but not including, 8.11.1 | 8.11.1 |
| VMware | Vrealize Orchestrator | 8.0 up to, but not including, 8.11.1 | 8.11.1 |
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
- LowA basic user account is enough.
- 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:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 8.8 | High | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
VMware vRealize Orchestrator contains an XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability. A malicious actor, with non-administrative access to vRealize Orchestrator, may be able to use specially crafted input to bypass XML parsing restrictions leading to access to sensitive information or possible escalation of privileges.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference
The product processes an XML document that can contain XML entities with URIs that resolve to documents outside of the intended sphere of control, causing the product to embed incorrect documents into its output.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Many XML parsers and validators can be configured to disable external entity expansion.
More Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities (CWE-611)
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
Recent Improper Restriction of XML External Entity Reference vulnerabilities
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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