1. Introduction
VMware Cloud Foundation Web Detection indicates that the web user interface for VMware Cloud Foundation is accessible on a remote host. This platform manages virtual machines, making it a key target for attackers seeking control of cloud infrastructure. Successful exploitation could lead to data breaches, service disruption and loss of system integrity.
2. Technical Explanation
The detection simply confirms the presence of the VMware Cloud Foundation web application. This isn’t an exploit in itself, but highlights a potential attack surface. An attacker could attempt to gain access through vulnerabilities within the web interface or use it as a stepping stone for further attacks on the underlying virtual machines. To obtain accurate version information from the web server, HTTP basic authentication credentials may be required.
- Root cause: The VMware Cloud Foundation web UI is running and accessible.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could attempt brute-force attacks against the login page or exploit known vulnerabilities in the web application itself.
- Scope: VMware Cloud Foundation deployments are affected.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of the web UI is the primary assessment step. Further investigation should determine the version running to identify potential vulnerabilities.
- Quick checks: Access the web interface via a browser using the host’s IP address or hostname.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16873 can detect VMware Cloud Foundation. This is an example only, and results should be verified manually.
- Logs and evidence: Web server access logs may show requests to the VMware Cloud Foundation web application path.
curl -I http://[host IP address]4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary remediation is to ensure appropriate network controls are in place and that the VMware Cloud Foundation installation is up-to-date with security patches.
4.1 Preparation
- No services need to be stopped for this initial assessment, but plan downtime if patching is required. A roll back plan involves restoring from the snapshot.
- Change windows may be needed depending on business impact and approval processes.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Review network access controls to restrict access to the VMware Cloud Foundation web interface to only authorized users and systems.
- Step 2: Check the VMware product documentation for available security patches and updates.
- Step 3: Apply any relevant security patches or updates according to VMware’s instructions.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
# No specific configuration example available, as this is a detection of running software. Access may be open on default ports.After
# Firewall rule blocking external access to VMware Cloud Foundation web interface port (typically 8443). Example using iptables:
iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 8443 -j DROP
4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices can help mitigate the risk associated with running a web application like VMware Cloud Foundation.
- Practice 1: Least privilege access to limit the impact of compromised credentials.
- Practice 2: Network segmentation to isolate the VMware Cloud Foundation environment from other systems.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
# Example Ansible playbook to block access via firewall:
---
- hosts: all
tasks:
- name: Block VMware Cloud Foundation web interface port
iptables:
chain: INPUT
protocol: tcp
dport: 8443
jump: DROP
5. Verification / Validation
- Post-fix check: Attempt to access the web interface from an unauthorized IP address; connection should be refused.
- Re-test: Re-run the initial curl command or browser test to confirm that external access is blocked.
- Smoke test: Verify that authorized users can still access and manage virtual machines through the web interface.
- Monitoring: Monitor firewall logs for any attempts to connect to the VMware Cloud Foundation web interface from unauthorized sources.
curl -I http://[host IP address] # Should return a connection refused error if blocked.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Regularly update security baselines and incorporate checks into CI/CD pipelines to prevent similar issues in the future.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to include restrictions on access to management interfaces like VMware Cloud Foundation’s web UI.
- Pipelines: Add static analysis or vulnerability scanning to your CI pipeline to identify potential vulnerabilities in deployed applications.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular patching cycle for all systems, including VMware Cloud Foundation.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Blocking access to the web interface may disrupt legitimate users if not configured correctly.
- Roll back: Remove the firewall rule blocking access to port 8443.
8. References and Resources
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/products/cloud-foundation.html