Remote code execution in VMware ESXi

Published: 2022-01-04 | Updated: 2022-02-15

Risk	High
Patch available	YES
Number of vulnerabilities	1
CVE-ID	CVE-2021-22045
CWE-ID	CWE-122
Exploitation vector	Network
Public exploit	N/A
Vulnerable software	VMware ESXi Operating systems & Components / Operating system
Vendor	VMware, Inc

Security Bulletin

This security bulletin contains one high risk vulnerability.

1) Heap-based buffer overflow

EUVDB-ID: #VU59182

Risk: High

CVSSv4.0: 5.2 [CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:P/PR:L/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N/E:U/U:Amber]

CVE-ID: CVE-2021-22045

CWE-ID: CWE-122 - Heap-based Buffer Overflow

Exploit availability: No

Description

The vulnerability allows a remote attacker to execute arbitrary code on the target system.

The vulnerability exists due to a boundary error. A remote attacker with access to the guest OS with D-ROM device emulation can trigger heap-based buffer overflow and execute arbitrary code on the hypervisor.

Mitigation

Install updates from vendor's website.

Vulnerable software versions

VMware ESXi: ESXi650-201903001 - ESXi670-202103101-SG

CPE2.3

External links

https://www.vmware.com/security/advisories/VMSA-2022-0001.html
https://www.zerodayinitiative.com/advisories/ZDI-22-003/

Q & A

Can this vulnerability be exploited remotely?

Yes. This vulnerability can be exploited by a remote authenticated user via the Internet.

Is there known malware, which exploits this vulnerability?

No. We are not aware of malware exploiting this vulnerability.