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  3. CVE-2018-1273
Exploited in the wildUsed by ransomwareServers & business softwareWork IT

CVE-2018-1273 VMware Tanzu Spring Data Commons: command or code injection

In plain words: The program treats text it receives as instructions instead of plain data. The attacker can run commands on the machine — often the whole device is taken over.

Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Apr 15, 2022

What to do

  1. Install VMware Tanzu's security update for Spring Data Commons. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
  2. Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.
  3. Patch anything in this catalog first, ahead of normal patch cycles.
  4. Put admin and file-transfer apps behind a VPN or single sign-on instead of the open internet.

Who is affected

Work IT. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.

What's at risk: Mass data theft and ransomware: a single flaw in a file-transfer or email server has exposed thousands of organisations at once.

The details

Official name
VMware Tanzu Spring Data Commons Property Binder Vulnerability
Product
VMware Tanzu Spring Data Commons
CISA description
Spring Data Commons contains a property binder vulnerability which can allow an attacker to perform remote code execution.
Type of flaw
Command or code injection (CWE-94)
Confirmed exploited
Mar 25, 2022 — known to be used in ransomware attacks
US federal patch deadline
Apr 15, 2022

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Answering about CVE-2018-1273 ·

Questions about CVE-2018-1273

Is CVE-2018-1273 being exploited?

Yes. CISA added CVE-2018-1273 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 25, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks, including by ransomware groups.

How do I fix CVE-2018-1273?

Install VMware Tanzu's security update for Spring Data Commons. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Keep a list of every internet-facing server you run so nothing is forgotten.

Am I affected by CVE-2018-1273?

Only if you use VMware Tanzu Spring Data Commons. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.

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