1. Introduction
The web interface for VMware NSX for vSphere (NSX-v) was detected on the remote host. This is the management console for NSX-v, a network virtualisation and security platform. It’s typically found in environments using VMware vSphere to manage virtual machines. Successful exploitation could allow an attacker to gain control of the NSX-v environment. Impact may include compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of network services.
2. Technical Explanation
The presence of the NSX-v web interface indicates a potential attack surface. While no specific vulnerability is detailed in this detection, it highlights an exposed management point that requires attention. An attacker could attempt to exploit known vulnerabilities within the web interface itself or use it as a pivot point for further attacks on the vSphere environment. Preconditions include network access to the NSX-v web interface and valid credentials or exploitable weaknesses in authentication mechanisms.
- Root cause: The detection simply flags the presence of an exposed management interface, not a specific fault.
- Exploit mechanism: An attacker could attempt brute force attacks against login pages, exploit known vulnerabilities in the NSX-v web application, or use stolen credentials to gain access.
- Scope: VMware NSX for vSphere (NSX-v) deployments are affected. Specific versions should be reviewed based on vendor advisories.
3. Detection and Assessment
Confirming the presence of the web interface is the first step in assessment. Further investigation into its configuration and security posture is then required.
- Quick checks: Check for the NSX-v management console via a web browser using the known IP address or hostname of the vCenter server.
- Scanning: Nessus plugin ID 16879 can identify the VMware NSX Manager service, which hosts the web interface. This is an example only and may require updating.
- Logs and evidence: Review vSphere logs for connections to the NSX-v management console IP address or hostname. Look for unusual activity or failed login attempts.
ping 4. Solution / Remediation Steps
The primary remediation is to secure the NSX-v web interface and limit access.
4.1 Preparation
- Ensure you have valid credentials for accessing the NSX-v web interface and vCenter server. A roll back plan involves restoring from the pre-change snapshot.
- A change window may be required to minimise disruption. Approval from the infrastructure team is recommended.
4.2 Implementation
- Step 1: Change the default password for the NSX-v web interface administrator account.
- Step 2: Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) if available.
- Step 3: Restrict access to the NSX-v management console IP address using firewall rules, allowing only trusted networks and hosts.
- Step 4: Review user permissions within the NSX-v web interface, ensuring least privilege is applied.
4.3 Config or Code Example
Before
Default administrator password in place. No MFA enabled. Access from any source IP address.After
Strong, unique password set for administrator account. MFA enabled. Firewall rules restrict access to trusted networks only. Least privilege applied to user accounts.4.4 Security Practices Relevant to This Vulnerability
Several security practices directly address the risks associated with exposed management interfaces.
- Practice 1: Least privilege reduces the impact if an attacker gains access, limiting their ability to make changes.
- Practice 2: Strong password policies and MFA significantly increase the difficulty of credential-based attacks.
- Practice 3: Network segmentation limits exposure by restricting access only to trusted networks.
4.5 Automation (Optional)
Automation scripts can be used to enforce strong password policies across NSX-v deployments, but require careful testing.
# Example PowerShell script snippet - requires VMware PowerCLI module
# Get-NSXManager -Server | Set-NSXUserManager -PasswordComplexityEnabled $true -PasswordExpiryDays 90 5. Verification / Validation
Confirm that the remediation steps have been successfully implemented and the web interface is now secured.
- Post-fix check: Verify the password complexity requirements are enforced by attempting to set a weak password for the administrator account. Expected output should indicate failure due to policy violation.
- Re-test: Re-run the Nessus scan (plugin ID 16879) and confirm that no critical vulnerabilities related to default credentials or weak security configurations are reported.
- Smoke test: Log in to the NSX-v web interface using a valid account with MFA enabled and verify you can access key management functions.
- Monitoring: Monitor vSphere logs for failed login attempts from untrusted sources. Example query: search for events related to authentication failures on the NSX-v management console IP address.
Attempt to set a weak password via the web interface - expected output should show an error message regarding complexity requirements.6. Preventive Measures and Monitoring
Proactive measures can help prevent similar issues in the future.
- Baselines: Update your security baseline to include a requirement for strong password policies, MFA, and network segmentation for all management interfaces.
- Asset and patch process: Implement a regular review cycle for NSX-v configurations and security settings, ensuring adherence to established baselines.
7. Risks, Side Effects, and Roll Back
Changing passwords or enabling MFA may temporarily disrupt access for users.
- Risk or side effect 2: Enabling MFA may require additional configuration on user devices. Mitigation: Document the process clearly and provide assistance as needed.
- Roll back: Restore from the pre-change snapshot if necessary. Revert password changes and disable MFA.
8. References and Resources
Link only to sources that match this exact vulnerability.
- Vendor advisory or bulletin: https://www.vmware.com/support/pubs/nsx_pubs.html