CVE-2021-22017

VMware vCenter Server Improper Access Control

5.3 MEDIUMActively exploited (CISA KEV)EPSS 49.2%

Published23 Sept 2021
Added to CISA KEV10 Jan 2022
Remediation due24 Jan 2022

Description

Rhttproxy as used in vCenter Server contains a vulnerability due to improper implementation of URI normalization. A malicious actor with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server may exploit this issue to bypass proxy leading to internal endpoints being accessed.

CVSS 3.1 breakdown

Attack vectorNetwork

Attack complexityLow

Privileges requiredNone

User interactionNone

ScopeUnchanged

ConfidentialityLow

IntegrityNone

AvailabilityNone

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N

Affected products

VMware Vcenter Server6.7

Remediation

No fixed version is recorded in the NVD data. Check the vendor advisory for the latest guidance.

Patch & vendor advisories

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.html

References

https://www.cisa.gov/known-exploited-vulnerabilities-catalog?field_cve=CVE-2021-22017US Government Resource
https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2021-0020.htmlPatchVendor Advisory

Frequently asked

Is CVE-2021-22017 being actively exploited?

Yes. CVE-2021-22017 is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, added 10 Jan 2022.

How severe is CVE-2021-22017?

CVE-2021-22017 has a CVSS 3.1 base score of 5.3, rated medium. EPSS estimates a 49.2% probability of exploitation.

Which products are affected by CVE-2021-22017?

Affected products include VMware Vcenter Server.

How do I fix CVE-2021-22017?

Apply the vendor's patch or advisory guidance, then verify no affected versions remain across your devices.

How Secuno handles this

Secuno correlates vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-22017 against the real software inventory on every managed device, every day. Rather than a static severity, each match is scored in context: exploit availability, EPSS, the asset's exposure, and business criticality decide where it lands in the queue. Because it is on the CISA KEV list, Secuno flags any affected asset as top-priority automatically. If an affected version is present anywhere across your portfolio, it surfaces automatically with a prioritised remediation path.

See how prioritisation works Book a demo

Data from the NVD, CISA KEV catalog and FIRST EPSS. CVSS 3.1 base score shown where available.