VMware vSphere HVCI Bypass Vulnerability

CVE-2024-21305

What is CVE-2024-21305?

CVE-2024-21305 is a vulnerability affecting VMware vSphere, specifically concerning its Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity (HVCI) feature. This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass critical security mechanisms implemented to protect the integrity of code running in a virtualized environment. Organizations relying on VMware vSphere to manage their virtual machines and cloud infrastructures may face significant risks, as exploitations could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data, undermining overall security posture.

Technical Details

This security flaw enables a bypass of HVCI, which is designed to enhance the security of hypervisors against various types of attacks, particularly those targeting kernel-level vulnerabilities. By circumventing HVCI protections, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges, thus gaining control over virtual machines and underlying hardware resources. The details of the specific mechanisms involved in this bypass have been disclosed, highlighting potential entry points that threat actors might exploit.

Impact of the Vulnerability

1. Unauthorized System Access: The primary impact of this vulnerability is the potential for unauthorized access to systems managed by VMware vSphere. Attackers could exploit this bypass to gain elevated privileges, leading to significant security breaches.

2. Data Compromise: With the ability to bypass critical security controls, attackers may gain access to sensitive data stored within virtual environments. This could result in data exfiltration, theft of intellectual property, and exposure of confidential information.

3. Increased Attack Surface: Exploitation of this vulnerability could expand the attack surface for organizations using VMware vSphere, as it may serve as an entry point for subsequent attacks or installations of malware within the virtual environment. This enhances the risk of ransomware deployment and other malicious activities affecting systemic integrity.

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News Articles

GitHub

CVE-2024-21305

CVE-2024-21305 - GitHub Advisory Database

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References