1. Introduction
VMware Aria Operations for Logs Web UI Detection identifies instances where the administrative interface for VMware’s log management application is running on a remote web server. This matters because the web UI could allow attackers to access sensitive log data and potentially compromise the system. Affected systems are typically those using VMware Aria Operations for Logs (formerly vRealize Log Insight) for centralised logging. A successful exploit could lead to confidentiality, integrity, and availability issues with logged data.
2. Technical Explanation
- Root cause: The administrative interface for log management is exposed on a network connection without sufficient access controls by default.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker scans the network for open ports and identifies the web UI. They then attempt to access it, potentially using default credentials or attempting credential brute-forcing.
- Scope: VMware Aria Operations for Logs (formerly vRealize Log Insight) on all platforms where it is installed.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of the web UI indicates a potential risk that needs investigation. A quick check can identify if the interface is accessible, while thorough methods involve version identification.
- Quick checks: Use a web browser to access the default port (typically 80 or 443) on the server where Aria Operations for Logs is installed. Look for a login page associated with VMware Log Insight/Aria Operations for Logs.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16795 can detect the presence of the web UI, but may only provide partial version information without credentials. This is an example only.
- Logs and evidence: Check web server logs (e.g., Apache or Nginx access logs) for requests to paths associated with Aria Operations for Logs, such as /ui or /login.
curl -I http://{target_ip}:80 4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The following steps outline how to mitigate the risk of an exposed Aria Operations for Logs web UI.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped, but consider a change window if access is interrupted during configuration updates. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-change snapshot.
- Changes should be approved by the system owner or security team.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Restrict network access to the Aria Operations for Logs web UI using firewall rules. Allow only trusted IP addresses or networks to connect to the port used by the interface (typically 80 or 443).
- Step 2: Enable and enforce strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), if available.
- Step 3: Review user accounts and permissions within Aria Operations for Logs. Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the administrative interface.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
#Example firewall rule allowing access from any source (insecure)
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
After
#Example firewall rule allowing access only from trusted network (secure)
iptables -A INPUT -s {trusted_network}/24 -p tcp --dport 80 -j ACCEPT
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help prevent issues related to exposed web interfaces.
- Practice 1: Least privilege – limit access to sensitive systems and data based on the principle of least privilege, reducing the impact if an account is compromised.
- Practice 2: Network segmentation – isolate critical systems from less trusted networks to prevent lateral movement in case of a breach.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Infrastructure-as-code tools can automate firewall rule updates.
#Example Ansible playbook snippet for updating firewall rules
- name: Restrict access to Aria Operations for Logs web UI
firewalld:
port: 80/tcp
permanent: true
state: enabled
zone: trusted_network
source: {trusted_network}/24
5. Verification / Validation
Confirming the fix involves verifying that only authorized networks can access the web UI.
- Post-fix check: Attempt to access the Aria Operations for Logs web UI from an untrusted IP address. The connection should be refused or blocked by the firewall.
- Re-test: Re-run the quick check described in Section 3 from an untrusted IP address; it should no longer resolve the login page.
- Smoke test: Verify that authorized users can still access and use the Aria Operations for Logs web UI as expected.
- Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for blocked connection attempts to port 80 or 443 from unexpected sources.
curl -I http://{target_ip}:80 #Should return a connection refused error6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Proactive measures can help prevent similar issues in the future.
- Baselines: Update security baselines to include requirements for restricting network access to administrative interfaces.
- Pipelines: Integrate vulnerability scanning into CI/CD pipelines to identify exposed web UIs during deployment.
- Asset and patch process: Maintain an inventory of all systems with exposed web interfaces and ensure they are regularly patched and reviewed for security vulnerabilities.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Incorrect firewall configuration could disrupt legitimate access to the Aria Operations for Logs web UI.
- Risk or side effect 1: Blocking legitimate user access – ensure that authorized IP addresses are correctly configured in the firewall rules.
- Roll back: Remove the new firewall rule and restore the previous configuration, allowing access from any source.
8. References and Resources
Links related to this specific vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/products/aria-operations-for-logs.html
- NVD or CVE entry: Not applicable – detection of exposed UI, not a specific vulnerability.
- Product or platform documentation relevant to the fix: https://docs.vmware.com/en/Aria-Operations-for-Logs/index.html