CVE-2024-38813 VMware vCenter Server: privilege escalation
In plain words: Something running with limited rights can promote itself to full control. Turns a small foothold (like a malicious app) into administrator or system-level access.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Dec 11, 2024
What to do
- Install VMware's security update for vCenter Server. 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 vCenter Server Privilege Escalation Vulnerability
- Product
- VMware vCenter Server
- CISA description
- VMware vCenter contains an improper check for dropped privileges vulnerability. This vulnerability could allow an attacker with network access to the vCenter Server to escalate privileges to root by sending a specially crafted packet.
- Type of flaw
- Privilege escalation (CWE-250, CWE-273)
- Confirmed exploited
- Nov 20, 2024
- US federal patch deadline
- Dec 11, 2024
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Answering about CVE-2024-38813 ·
Questions about CVE-2024-38813
Is CVE-2024-38813 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2024-38813 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Nov 20, 2024, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2024-38813?
Install VMware's security update for vCenter Server. 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-2024-38813?
Only if you use VMware vCenter Server. Aimed mostly at company systems — you are affected through the companies you use, not your own phone.