CVE-2023-20887 VMware Aria Operations for Networks: 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 Jul 13, 2023
What to do
- Install VMware's security update for Aria Operations for Networks. 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.
- Patch anything in this catalog first, ahead of normal patch cycles.
- 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 Aria Operations for Networks Command Injection Vulnerability
- Product
- VMware Aria Operations for Networks
- CISA description
- VMware Aria Operations for Networks (formerly vRealize Network Insight) contains a command injection vulnerability that allows a malicious actor with network access to perform an attack resulting in remote code execution.
- Type of flaw
- Command or code injection (CWE-77)
- Confirmed exploited
- Jun 22, 2023
- US federal patch deadline
- Jul 13, 2023
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Answering about CVE-2023-20887 ·
Questions about CVE-2023-20887
Is CVE-2023-20887 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2023-20887 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Jun 22, 2023, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2023-20887?
Install VMware's security update for Aria Operations for Networks. 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-2023-20887?
Only if you use VMware Aria Operations for Networks. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.