VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP): Improper Authentication
CVE-2024-22245 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP) from VMware, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. Affected VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP) versions: All. 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.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update enhanced_authentication_plugin to 6.7.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on vmware.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware | VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP) | All | Not stated |
| VMware | enhanced_authentication_plugin | before 6.7.0 | 6.7.0 |
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
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:N/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CNA (vmware.com).
Official description
Arbitrary Authentication Relay and Session Hijack vulnerabilities in the deprecated VMware Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP) could allow a malicious actor that could trick a target domain user with EAP installed in their web browser into requesting and relaying service tickets for arbitrary Active Directory Service Principal Names (SPNs).
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
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 Enhanced Authentication Plug-in (EAP)
- 7.8 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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