1. Introduction
VMware vCenter Operations Manager Web UI Default Credentials refers to the use of pre-set usernames and passwords on the web interface of the application. This allows an attacker who gains access to the system without needing valid user credentials, potentially compromising the entire vCenter environment. Systems affected are those running VMware vCenter Operations Manager with its default configuration. A successful exploit could lead to complete confidentiality, integrity, and availability loss.
2. Technical Explanation
The web UI component of VMware vCenter Operations Manager ships with a known set of default credentials. An attacker can use these credentials to log in remotely and gain administrative access. No specific CVE is currently associated with this vulnerability but it represents a significant security risk due to the ease of exploitation. A simple example would be an attacker attempting login using the default username ‘admin’ and a corresponding default password.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker attempts to log in with the known default username and password combination via the web UI.
- Scope: VMware vCenter Operations Manager installations using default credentials.
3. Detection and Assessment
You can confirm if a system is vulnerable by checking the current configuration of the admin user account. A quick check involves attempting to log in with the default credentials.
- Quick checks: Attempt login via the web UI using username ‘admin’ and password ‘VMware1!’.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16879 may detect this issue, but results should be verified.
- Logs and evidence: Check vCenter Operations Manager logs for successful logins from default credentials. Specific log paths vary by installation.
# No command available to directly check credentials without attempting login.4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps detail how to change the admin user password.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need stopping for this process, but ensure minimal load during the change. A roll back plan involves restoring from the previous snapshot if issues occur.
- A standard change window may be appropriate depending on your environment and approval processes.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Log in to the vCenter Operations Manager Web UI using an account with administrative privileges.
- Step 2: Navigate to Users & Groups.
- Step 3: Select the ‘admin’ user account.
- Step 4: Edit the password for the ‘admin’ user, ensuring it is a strong and unique password.
- Step 5: Save the changes.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Username: admin
Password: VMware1!After
Username: admin
Password: [Strong, Unique Password]4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent this issue.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access rights for all users, including administrators.
- Practice 2: Safe defaults – avoid shipping products with known default credentials.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
No suitable automation script is available due to the UI-based nature of this change.
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt login via the web UI using username ‘admin’ and password ‘VMware1!’. Expected output is a failed login attempt.
- Re-test: Repeat the quick check from Section 3 to confirm that default credentials no longer work.
- Smoke test: Verify you can log in with the new admin credentials and access core vCenter Operations Manager functionality.
- Monitoring: Check logs for failed login attempts using the old default credentials, which would indicate attempted exploitation.
# No command available to directly check credentials without attempting login.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Update security baselines to include checks for default credentials.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline or policy to require strong passwords on all systems, including vCenter Operations Manager.
- Asset and patch process: Review configurations regularly as part of a standard asset management process.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing the password may temporarily disrupt access if the new password is forgotten or incorrectly entered.
- Risk or side effect 1: Loss of access if the new password is lost – ensure a documented recovery process exists.
- Roll back: Restore from the pre-change snapshot taken in Section 4.1.
8. References and Resources
Links to official resources regarding this vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/products/vrealize-operations.html
- NVD or CVE entry: No specific CVE currently exists for this issue.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://docs.vmware.com/en/VMware-vRealize-Operations-Manager/index.html