1. Introduction
The VMware vCenter SOAP API Settings plugin configures the credentials used for VMware checks via REST and SOAP APIs. This is important because compromised credentials can allow attackers to access and control virtual machines. Systems affected are typically those running VMware vCenter Server. A successful attack could lead to loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of virtualised systems.
2. Technical Explanation
This vulnerability relates to the initialisation of credentials used for VMware checks. Incorrectly configured or weak credentials can be exploited by attackers gaining access to the vCenter Server. There is no specific CVE associated with this configuration issue, but it falls under CWE-798: Use of Hardcoded Credentials. An attacker could use these compromised credentials to execute commands on virtual machines and potentially escalate privileges within the environment. Affected versions are all those where the SOAP API settings have not been correctly configured.
- Root cause: The script relies on manually set credentials which, if weak or default, create a security risk.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker gaining access to vCenter Server could retrieve these stored credentials and use them for unauthorised access.
- Scope: VMware vCenter Server instances using the SOAP API are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming a vulnerable system involves checking the scan policy configuration. A quick check is to verify if default or weak credentials have been used. A thorough method is to review the scan policy settings directly within vCenter Server.
- Quick checks: Check the scan policy for any obvious default usernames and passwords.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16829 can identify this issue as an example.
- Logs and evidence: Review vCenter Server logs for authentication attempts using potentially compromised credentials, though direct evidence may be limited.
# No specific command available to directly check the settings from the command line. Accessing the vCenter Server UI is required.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps detail how to fix this issue by updating the credentials used for VMware checks. These steps should be performed carefully and tested thoroughly.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped, but it is recommended to perform this during a maintenance window. A roll back plan involves restoring the previous snapshot if issues occur.
- Changes should be approved by a senior IT administrator.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to your vCenter Server web interface as an administrator.
- Step 2: Navigate to the scan policy you wish to update.
- Step 3: Under ‘Preferences’, select ‘VMware vCenter REST and SOAP API Settings’.
- Step 4: Update the username and password fields with strong, unique credentials.
- Step 5: Save the changes to the scan policy.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Username: administrator
Password: password123After
Username: vcenter_user
Password: StrongUniquePassword!4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices directly address this vulnerability type. Least privilege reduces the impact if credentials are compromised. Input validation can prevent unsafe data being used in configurations. Secure defaults encourage strong initial settings. A regular patch cadence ensures systems remain up-to-date with security fixes.
- Practice 1: Implement least privilege by granting only necessary access to vCenter Server accounts.
- Practice 2: Enforce strong password policies for all vCenter Server users and service accounts.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No suitable script is provided as direct automation of this task may introduce risk without careful testing in your environment.
# No code example available due to the potential for misconfiguration.5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that strong credentials are now configured and used by the scan policy. Re-run the earlier detection method to confirm the issue is resolved. A simple service smoke test would be logging in as the updated user.
- Post-fix check: Log in to vCenter Server using the new credentials.
- Re-test: Run Nessus plugin ID 16829 again; it should no longer report the vulnerability.
- Smoke test: Verify that VMware checks are still running successfully with the updated credentials.
- Monitoring: Monitor vCenter Server logs for failed authentication attempts using the new credentials as an example alert.
# No specific command available to directly check the settings from the command line. Accessing the vCenter Server UI is required.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines or policies to enforce strong password requirements for vCenter Server accounts, for example using CIS controls. Add checks in CI/CD pipelines to validate configuration settings during deployment. Implement a sensible patch or config review cycle that fits the risk profile of your environment.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to include a requirement for strong passwords on all vCenter Server accounts.
- Pipelines: Include checks in your CI/CD pipeline to validate the configuration settings during deployment.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Potential risks include service disruption if incorrect credentials are entered. A side effect could be the need to update other systems that rely on these credentials. To roll back, restore the previous snapshot of your vCenter Server virtual machine.
- Risk or side effect 2: Other systems relying on these credentials may need to be updated with the new password.
- Roll back: Restore the previous snapshot of your vCenter Server virtual machine if issues occur.
8. References and Resources
Links only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: VMware Security Advisories
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE is associated with this configuration issue.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: VMware vSphere Documentation