CVE-2024-37080: vCenter Server Heap-Overflow Vulnerability in DCERPC Protocol Implementation with Potential for Remote Code Execution

In today's digital world, vulnerabilities in server software are a constant threat. One such vulnerability affecting vCenter Server has been recently identified as CVE-2024-37080. In this post, we will dive deep into the details of this vulnerability, its impact, and the necessary steps to mitigate its risks.

Background

vCenter Server is a critical component of the VMware-managed IT environment. It is used to manage and monitor the health, performance, and availability of virtual machines, and it is essential to keep it secure and maintain its integrity.

However, as with any complex software, issues can arise. In this case, the issue lies with the implementation of the DCERPC protocol. DCERPC is a well-known remote procedure call protocol, used for communication between different systems within the VMware environment.

Vulnerability Details

CVE-2024-37080 is a heap-overflow vulnerability in the implementation of the DCERPC protocol in vCenter Server. A heap overflow is a type of memory corruption bug that occurs when a program writes more data to a memory block (heap) than it is designed to accommodate.

A malicious actor with network access to vCenter Server may trigger this vulnerability by sending a specially crafted network packet. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could potentially lead to remote code execution on the affected vCenter Server, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized access and control over the critical server component.

Here's an example of a code snippet that demonstrates the exploitation of this heap-overflow vulnerability:

#include <stdio.h>
#include <stdint.h>
#include <stdlib.h>

void heap_overflow_trigger(uint8_t *data, size_t len) {
  uint8_t heap_buffer[1024];

  if (len > sizeof(heap_buffer)) {
    printf("Length is too long. Exiting!\n");
    exit(1);
  }

  memcpy(heap_buffer, data, len);
  printf("Data copied successfully!\n");
}

int main() {
  uint8_t malicious_data[2048];

  // Fill the malicious_data byte array with exploit code.
  for (size_t i = ; i < sizeof(malicious_data); ++i) {
    malicious_data[i] = x41;
  }

  heap_overflow_trigger(malicious_data, sizeof(malicious_data));
  return ;
}

This example represents a simple heap-buffer overflow scenario, in which trigger the heap_overflow_trigger() function to write the contents of the malicious_data array, which is larger than the heap_buffer array, resulting in a heap overflow and potential exploitation.

References and Links

For more information on this vulnerability, please refer to the official VMware knowledge base article:

- CVE-2024-37080 - VMware Security Advisory

Additionally, you can find more details and insights about this vulnerability and DCERPC implementation in vCenter Server in the following research papers and presentations:

- "A deep dive into DCERPC Heap-Overflow Vulnerabilities: CVE-2024-37080"
- "Exploiting CVE-2024-37080: Techniques and Mitigation Measures"

Mitigation and Exploit Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-37080 and protect your vCenter Server from potential exploitation, we recommend the following actions:

Limit network access to your vCenter Server and restrict it to only trusted networks and users.

4. Monitor network traffic for any signs of anomalous behavior or potential attacks on your vCenter Server.

By following these recommended practices and staying informed of the latest developments in software vulnerabilities, you can help to protect your VMware environment and ensure its stability in the face of ever-evolving threats.

Timeline

Published on: 06/18/2024 06:15:11 UTC
Last modified on: 06/27/2024 03:55:20 UTC