VMware vCenter Server Analytics Service Arbitrary File Upload and Remote Code Execution Vulnerability (CVE-2021-22005) Security Advisory
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTVMware vCenter Server versions 6.7 and 7.0 running the Analytics (CEIP) service
Unauthenticated attackers with network access to port 443/TCP can upload arbitrary files and execute remote code with system privileges
Apply official vendor patches immediately, or implement the temporary workaround to disable the vulnerable Analytics endpoint
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
The recommended remediation is to upgrade vCenter Server to a patched version. Use the VCSA management console or SSH to apply the update.
# Install the latest patch from an attached ISO and restart services
software-packages install --iso --acceptEulas
service-control --start --all2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If patching cannot be performed immediately, disable the vulnerable telemetry endpoint using the following workaround.
# Comment out the telemetry endpoint in the rhttpproxy configuration
python -c "
with open('/etc/vmware-rhttpproxy/endpoints.conf.d/vpxd-telemetry-endpoint.conf', 'r') as f:
data = f.read()
data = data.replace('/analytics/telemetry/ph', '#/analytics/telemetry/ph')
with open('/etc/vmware-rhttpproxy/endpoints.conf.d/vpxd-telemetry-endpoint.conf', 'w') as f:
f.write(data)
"
# Restart the rhttpproxy service to apply changes
service-control --restart vmware-rhttpproxy3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Inspect the Analytics service logs for unauthorized file upload attempts and path traversal patterns.
# Search for suspicious POST requests targeting the telemetry endpoint
grep -i 'hyper/send' /var/log/vmware/analytics/analytics.log
# Check for unexpected script files in the analytics storage directory
find /storage/db/analytics/ -type f -name '*.json' -o -name '*.py' -o -name '*.sh'Block Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
Can't patch production immediately? Deploy managed WAF rules at the edge to intercept RCE, SQLi, and deserialization payloads before they hit your origin server.
Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability exists in the Analytics service (part of the Customer Experience Improvement Program - CEIP) of VMware vCenter Server. The service fails to properly validate file paths and lacks authentication checks when handling file upload requests (CWE-22). This architectural flaw allows unauthenticated remote attackers to write arbitrary files to any directory on the underlying operating system.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
An attacker sends a specially crafted HTTP POST request containing path traversal sequences (../) to the Analytics service endpoint (/analytics/telemetry/ph/api/hyper/send) via port 443/TCP. By bypassing directory restrictions, the attacker uploads malicious scripts (such as web shells or cron jobs) into executable directories. Once the operating system or the web server executes the uploaded file, the attacker achieves arbitrary remote code execution (RCE) under high privileges.
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
vCenter Server is the centralized management hub for enterprise virtualized environments. A successful compromise of vCenter Server (CVSS 9.8) grants attackers complete control over the virtual infrastructure, enabling them to compromise virtual machines, exfiltrate sensitive data, deploy ransomware, and disrupt critical business operations. This vulnerability is actively exploited in the wild and is listed in the CISA KEV catalog.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
The vCenter Server contains an arbitrary file upload vulnerability in the Analytics service. A malicious actor with network access to port 443 on vCenter Server may exploit this issue to execute code on vCenter Server by uploading a specially crafted file.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2021-22005)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2021-22005 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2021-22005 is rated CVSS 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 100.0%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2021-22005?
Primary impacted vendors include vmware across vcenter_server. Scope summary: VMware vCenter Server 7.0 (prior to 7.0 U2c) and vCenter Server 6.7 (prior to 6.7 U3o)
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2021-22005 before patching?
[Mitigation] Apply official vendor patches immediately, or implement the temporary workaround to disable the vulnerable Analytics endpoint Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
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