CVE-2023-20864: VMware Aria Operations for Logs Deserialization Vulnerability

CVE-2023-20864: VMware Aria Operations for Logs Deserialization Vulnerability

VMware issues advisory to address two flaws in its VMware Aria Operations for Logs solution, including a critical deserialization flaw assigned a CVSSv3 score of 9.8.

Background

On April 20, VMware published an advisory (VMSA-2023-0007) to address two vulnerabilities in VMware Aria Operations for Logs, formerly known as vRealize Log Insight, a centralized log management solution.

CVE
Description
CVSSv3
VPR
CVE-2023-20864
Deserialization Vulnerability in VMware Aria Operations for Logs
9.8
8.4
CVE-2023-20865
OS Command Injection in VMware Aria Operations for Logs
7.2
8.4

Both flaws were reported to VMware prior to the advisory being published. CVE-2023-20864 was disclosed by anonymous via Trend Micro Zero Day Initiative, while CVE-2023-20865 was disclosed by researchers Y4er & MoonBack of 埃文科技.

Analysis

CVE-2023-20864 is a deserialization vulnerability in VMware Aria Operations for Logs. An unauthenticated, remote attacker capable of accessing VMware Aria Operations for Logs could exploit this vulnerability in order to gain arbitrary code execution with root privileges.

CVE-2023-20865 is an operating system (OS) command injection vulnerability in VMware Aria Operations for Logs. An attacker that has authenticated to a vulnerable VMware Aria Operations for Logs instance with administrative privileges could exploit this vulnerability to gain arbitrary code execution with root privileges.

VMware urges patching ‘immediately’ for CVE-2023-20864

In a knowledge base (KB) article, VMware provided additional information regarding VMSA-2023-0007. According to VMware, since CVE-2023-20864 is a “critical issue” it “should be patched immediately.”

Impact from CVE-2023-20864 limited to one version of product

In the same KB article, VMware notes that CVE-2023-20864 only affects VMware Aria Operations for Logs version 8.10.2, while multiple versions of the product are vulnerable to CVE-2023-20865. However, despite the broader scope of affected products, the requirements to exploit CVE-2023-20865 (authenticated with admin privileges) make it less of a concern.

Second significant advisory for VMware Aria Operations for Logs in 2023

In January, VMware published an advisory (VMSA-2023-0001) addressing four vulnerabilities in vRealize Log Insight, the former name for VMware Aria Operations for Logs. In this January advisory, a different deserialization vulnerability (CVE-2022-31710) was patched along with a critical directory traversal flaw (CVE-2022-31706). Researchers on the Horizon3 Attack Team published a proof-of-concept for CVE-2022-31706 within a week following the publication of the advisory.

Potential value for flaw as part of post-compromise activity

Because of the nature of the VMware Aria Operations for Logs product not being a public facing asset, we do not anticipate seeing widespread exploitation of this flaw. However, an attacker that gains a foothold into a network running a vulnerable version of VMware Aria Operations for Logs could utilize a flaw like this one as part of their post-compromise activity.

Proof of concept

At the time this blog post was published, no proof-of-concept (PoC) exploits were available for either CVE-2023-20864 and CVE-2023-20865.

Solution

VMware has released version 8.12 of VMware Aria Operations for Logs to address these flaws. The following table includes information on affected and fixed versions along with applicable CVEs.

Applicable CVE
Affected Versions
Fixed Versions
CVE-2023-20864
8.10.2
8.12
CVE-2023-20865
8.10.2, 8.10, 8.8.x, 8.6.x
8.12

Identifying affected systems

A list of Tenable plugins to identify these vulnerabilities will appear here as they’re released. This link uses a search filter to ensure that all matching plugin coverage will appear as it is released.

Customers can also check the status of these plugins on our Plugins Pipeline page.

Get more information

VMware Security Advisory: VMSA-2023-0007
VMware Knowledge Base Article for CVE-2023-20864, CVE-2023-20865

Join Tenable’s Security Response Team on the Tenable Community.

Learn more about https://www.tenable.com/products/tenable-one“>Tenable One, the Exposure Management Platform for the modern attack surface.

   Cyber Exposure Alerts 

​  

More To Explore

We can help improve your Business

Ensure your Organization Assets are well  protected in front of the Cyber Attacks

Delivery Workflow

Register for Free and get your test done withn 24 to 48 hours

See Workflow

Sample Report

Here is a sample report of a Security Testing Engagement

See Sample Report PDF

Work Request

Order your security test and Get Your Report

Get Your Test Report
Generated by Feedzy

1. Client Onboarding

Access to all of Cyber Legion's services is provided through the Web Secure Client Portal. To create a Free account, you can sign up through the portal, or contact the Cyber Legion team and they will set up an account for you.

2. NDA , Agreements & Digital Signature

The integration of Digital Signature in our Web Client Portal allows us to legally sign all necessary documents and agreements, enabling us to carry out security assessments on targeted systems.

3. Submit Work Request

Our pricing structure is adaptable to meet the needs of all clients. By filling out the Work Request Form, you can select from pre-existing services or request a personalized proposal.

The Cyber Legion team will acknowledge your order, set up a project in your account, and proceed with the testing and delivery.

4. Security Testing & Report

We meet agreed upon SLAs and follow security testing framework checklists. Based on our commitment, our team of engineers will utilize all of our tools, automation, and testing capabilities to achieve the objectives.

Within the agreed upon timeframe, you will receive a report on the security test that was conducted, including the results, recommendations, and references for addressing any identified issues.

5. Retesting & Validation of Remediation

We not only identify potential threats, risks, and vulnerabilities, but also provide detailed recommendations for resolution. To ensure complete remediation, we offer complimentary retesting and a range of ongoing security testing options for continued vulnerability detection and verification.